Before the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest, Philip Stevens caught up with executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand to look back over his decade in charge of the show
By Philip Stevens
Published: May 13, 2020
Before the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest, Philip Stevens caught up with executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand to look back over his decade in charge of the show
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin> Before the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest, Philip Stevens caught up with executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand to look back over his decade in charge of the show
https://www.tvbeurope.com/production-post/farewell-to-eurovision-after-a-decade-at-the-top title=Share via Email class=share-email>
Jon Ola Sand has been the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) supremo for the Eurovision Song Contest for the past 10 years, but is stepping down to return to NRK in Norway.
I started my television career in 1980 working as a researcher and programme assistant for a music programme in Oslo, says Sand. I then moved into floor managing and took a course in multi-camera directing, working on music productions.
In 1992 he left NRK to join the then newly-formed TV2 where he helped to build the reputation of the fledgling channel. Four years later he re-joined NRK as a producer and editor-in-chief for entertainment shows.
After I produced the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo in 2010, I was appointed as the executive overseer at the EBU. So, my background from being an assistant and researcher has led me to where I am today.
He goes on, Part of my job has been to oversee the preparation of the contest so that it can move across Europe to different broadcasters in different areas in different cultures. We are a relatively small team, but with special responsibilities for not only overseeing the production, but also the legal, finance and logistics of EBU events.
Early start Because the public broadcaster that comes first in the contest becomes the host for the following year's event, the very first meeting is shortly after the winner is announced on that night. Within a few weeks we will have further meetings where we provide budgetary considerations, provide an overview of the legal issues and discuss best practice. At that time, we also draw up a contract which defines the broadcaster's roles and responsibilities - along with the EBU's duties.
Jon Ola Sand Having said that, Sand says that the host broadcaster does have a great deal of freedom to design their own production, with their own look and feel of the show. They will also come up with a tag line - this year's was to be Open Up'. Part of the EBU contribution is to help the broadcaster fulfil that narrative and ensure it comes across with true meaning.
Challenges He says the most challenging aspect of the job centres on the fact that host broadcasters inevitably work in different ways to each other. Some are very advanced and already produce huge TV shows, whereas others are more commissioning entities and there's very little in-house experience of production.
Sand has the final word in almost all aspects of the event. One important consideration is the venue. Obviously, it needs to be fit for purpose, not just in terms of size, but also with regards to security, storage, hospitality areas and so on.
The OB provider is also key. In most European countries, the selection must go through the EU Tender process. But we have to specify certain criteria that need to be met - and that includes the use of CuePilot which we have been utilising for some years.
Sand explains that each participating country must complete a look and feel' form for the act they are submitting. They must also send a video recording of the act that shows the key elements of the presentation. Rehearsals can then start with stand-in artists so the directors can work out their shots, lighting directors can check their plans and so on. Once these rehearsals move into the arena, a recording of each act is made and sent to the participating country for comments. I then have to study any comments that come back, because if there are any complaints, I need to understand the reasons. It helps ensure all is well on the actual night.
These preliminary performances and then followed nearer the time by full rehearsals with the actual artists.
For Sand the 2020 contest was to be his last in charge. I am moving back to NRK to help it implement plans for a move to a new media centre in the next few years. We have to find a facility that will be home to 3000 people - and one that will help NRK to remain a strong public service broadcaster in the years to come.
He concludes, This is a fantastic opportunity for me.
SubscribeFor more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to our newsletter here.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
06/05/2026
Polands Miecznik-class frigates are part of the largest contract in Polish shipbuilding history. (Image Credit: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna)...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Riedel Communications today announced the expansion of its leadership structure as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen both its operational management ...
06/05/2026
For nearly three decades, Veteran Production Sound Mixer and Five-time Emmy Award Winner Dirk Sciarrotta has helped define the sonic identity of the long-runnin...
06/05/2026
ZEISS CinCraft LensCore: Cinema Lens Looks for Compositing
Brie Clayton May 6, 2026
0 Comments
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a nove...
06/05/2026
Wisycom Solves Extreme RF Challenges Across Miles of Live Action for Gravity Med...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Narrative Entertainment has partnered with Encompass to deliver high-quality subtitling of its Great! network content using the Altitude Intelligence AI assiste...
06/05/2026
SipRadius, widely recognized for making content processing and connectivity secure and seamless, is proud to launch a dramatic new approach to AI content creati...
06/05/2026
When the broadband and media industry gathers at ANGA COM in Cologne from May 19 to 21, Big Blue Marble will be at the forefront. The international broadcast an...
06/05/2026
Cinegy GmbH, a leading developer of software-defined television technology, is proud to exhibit at MPTS for the first time. Visitors to the stand will discover ...
06/05/2026
Val Jeanty Receives 2026 Doris Duke Artist Award Jeanty, a composer, percussionist, and turntablist, is the fourth Berklee recipient of the prestigious award ...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
When live cycling races and international marathons stretch for miles across cities and countryside, there is no margin for RF failure in live broadcast. As Chi...
06/05/2026
Oberkochen/Germany, May 5, 2026
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a novel solution for creating physically based cinematic lens looks for visual...
06/05/2026
SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 6, 2026 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced its latest broadband innovations for ANGA COM 2026, highlighting its vision for a new e...
06/05/2026
Statement from Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus, Fox Corporation on Ted Turner&...
06/05/2026
Friday 8 May on RT One and RT Player
Meet the NSPCA team caring for and protecting animals in need in this six-part series
Fly on the wall, six-part series...
06/05/2026
The race to build the world's most powerful AI factories demands networking ...
06/05/2026
How changes to proteins can alter drug interactions for new precision therapies Scripps Research team maps how chemical modifications to proteins affect drug bi...
05/05/2026
Experts from the world of academia, tech, business, politics and media convened for a Thomson Talks at the Cambridge Disinformation Summit in April. It's th...
05/05/2026
Three phones were hardwired for power and transmission to the truck; camera feat...
05/05/2026
The creative studio behind campaigns for the NBA, Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino, ...
05/05/2026
Nielsen has announced results from a co-viewing pilot program covering February&...
05/05/2026
viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI solution developed by Nippon TV, delivered global...
05/05/2026
ARRI has announced Omnibar, a battery-powered, IP65-rated multi-color LED linear...
05/05/2026
Imagine Communications has announced that France T l visions is the first broadc...
05/05/2026
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Bell Media today announced a multiyear agreement to broadcast and stream WNBA games in Canada beginni...
05/05/2026
SVG is proud to announce Warner Bros. Discovery's Techwood Studios in Atlant...
05/05/2026
With no operator required, AutoMic workflow automates talent identification on U...
05/05/2026
A crash in 2015 set the industry back, but this winter proved that drones are he...
05/05/2026
Another year, and more proof that Asia continues to shape some of the world's most exciting new sounds. This year's RADAR artists draw from deep local r...
05/05/2026
The Austin City Limits Music Fest 2026 lineup just dropped, and this year, Spoti...
05/05/2026
New drum machine book campaign incoming
Bjooks have announced that during Superbooth 2026, they will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the product...
05/05/2026
Flagship all-in-one production bundle updated
The latest version of Native Instruments' flagship virtual instrument and plug-in bundle has just been ann...
05/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz to host RF Testing Innovations Forum 2026, helping design engine...
05/05/2026
L3Harris provides communications, electronic warfare, sensors and mission systems that enable Virginia-class submarine crews to operate with confidence in conte...
05/05/2026
The company grew by 7.6% in net revenue and 16.3% in EBITDA, achieving a 33% inc...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
Before the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest, Philip Stevens caught up with executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand to look back over his decade in charge of the show
