EUROVISION DEBATE press briefing sets Bruels abuzz

A lively media briefing in Brussels (5 May) enabled international press to quiz the organizers of the EUROVISION DEBATE for the first time, with languages, rules and broadcast schedules topping the agenda.

Italian news anchor Monica Maggioni, who will moderate the debate when it goes live on television in around 50 countries on 15 May, told the gathered press that this was a historic opportunity for voters to have a say in who becomes President of the European Commission.

She explained some of the rules of engagement, such as the allowance of one minute for each candidate to formulate responses, and outlined the themes to be covered, including the economy, migration and Europe's place in the world.

Ms Maggioni handed over to BBC Question Time director, Rob Hopkin, who said his vision for the EUROVISION DEBATE was of a scrupulously fair face-off that will put the programme's impartiality beyond doubt.

He said: "I am flattered to have been asked, and slightly daunted by the scale of this event; but imagine how the politicians will be feeling on the night. This is one of those events where the messages will have to be succinct. They will have to play by the rules, and we will play by the rules."

Mr Hopkin said he had drawn up a strict shot plan to ensure every candidate receives the same camera exposure, with no cutaways showing reactions from the audience or the other candidates.

Several reporters asked about the channels that broadcasters will use to air the debate, and how EUROVISION will tackle language issues.

EUROVISION DEBATE Project Leader Mike Mullane said the programme will be easily accessible online, and that viewers everywhere will have access.

"Were living in the post internet era," he said. "Its not a question of which channel its being broadcast on; the channel is not important. Whats important is the promotion of that channel so that the people who want to watch it know how to do so."

Regarding languages, he said the debate would take place in English, although candidates were at liberty to use another language if they preferred. So far, only the Party of the European Left nominee Alexis Tsipras has taken up this option, advising the EBU that he will debate in his native Greek.

Closing the briefing, EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot said the EUROVISION DEBATE demonstrated the commitment of public service media to contributing to the democratic process.

"This debate will be a practical demonstration that gives our audiences a strong commitment: the guarantee of pluralism, of impartiality and transparency," he said, adding: "It is a unique opportunity for the audience to share in our strong PSM values, and an announcement of European public spirit in a broader media world.

The EUROVISION DEBATE will take place on 15 May from 9:00 pm CET, in the European Parliament Plenary Chamber. It will air live on television, online and radio in around 50 countries, from Canada in the west to Ukraine in the east.

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