Junior 2008: Voting changes considered

The most significant change proposed is the introduction of a so-called mixed voting system, in which a jury and televoters each have a 50% influence on the results. The Steering Group also proposed to introduce an extra jury of independent experts, which will give 1 to 8, 10 and 12 points, as if they represent an extra country.

Svante Stockselius, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, says to Eurovision.tv: "This can be a good test to see if the outcome will be different, compared to only televoting. The introduction of an independent jury of experts can also bring some additional excitement to the show." Earlier this year, Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group member Julian Vignoles showed the Heads of Delegation that using a 50/50 voting system in the Eurovision Song Contest Final would not significantly affect the results. 

In the months ahead, the Steering Group and participating EBU Members will consider and work out the proposed format changes, to take a final decision before the Heads of Delegation meeting for the Junior event in September.

In the shadow of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, Cypriot broadcaster CyBC quickly proceeds with the preparations for the 2008 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. "Everything is going well here. The Mayor of Lemesos triggered a countdown clock in the city centre, and we had a major technical meeting with all parties involved a few weeks ago. We have just finished two days of meetings with our choreographer, composer and costume designer and we are now planning ahead for the Steering Group meeting on the 5th of June and a Heads of Delegation meeting the day after," said Munro Forbes, Executive Producer of the event, to Eurovision.tv. It is expected that during this meeting, the host city of the 2009 contest is being elected.

Meanwhile, the Interactive Unit of the European Broadcasting Union is planning the launch of the 2008 edition of JuniorEurovision.tv, the event's official website. It is expected the new website will be launched in July.