Moscow 2009: An update on the hard work

Seeing your country winning the Eurovision Song Contest is a dream to come true for millions across Europe, but it surely comes with a challenge; One year later, it's your country to host the next contest, featuring two Semi-Finals and a Final. The European Broadcasting Union and Host Broadcaster Channel One already set the dates for the 54th running of the contest: Semi-Finals are set to take place on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May, the Final on Saturday 16 May, 2009. 

 At the headquarters of the EBU the rules of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest are being finalized and will soon be distributed to public service broadcasters across Europe. The most significant change in the rules is certainly the re-introduction of a jury in the Final of the contest. 

After valuable feedback from EBU Members, journalsists and fans, the EBU's Eurovision Song Contest communications team is working hard on improved press and fan accreditation guidelines. It is expected that the accreditation process will start in early 2009 and will run until mid-April. Further details will be given in due time.

More buzz in Geneva! The Interactive Unit of the EBU is working on the 2009 edition of Eurovision.tv, which will offer a fresh design, new community features and some pleasant surprises. You can still leave us your feedback, ideas and wishes for the 2009 site! In the lead up to the launch, expected to take place in early January, the contest's official YouTube channel has already been revamped! Check it out right away » 

At Channel One Russia, the Host Broadcaster of next year's Eurovision Song Contest, the production team is working on the creative concept of the three shows. The broadcaster is also working closely with the City of Moscow to see how infrastructural challenges can be solved, so that Moscow's famous traffic jams do not disrupt the preparations for the contest. 

Stay with Eurovision.tv, the official Eurovision Song Contest website, for more news on Moscow 2009, former contestants and the national selections season that is slowly getting underway.