Eurovision is associated as a spectacle intended for whole families, which is to connect viewers from Europe and other continents. Until now, broadcasts from the competition were broadcast as allowed for people over 12 years old, which is like most programs broadcast during the day. However, this year the Eurovision semi-finals were shown on TVP1 with an age category over 16 years old.
Eurovision only for people over 16 years old. TVP responds
The orange square with sixteen did not go unnoticed by the viewers, who on the Internet did not hide their surprise with this change. “Since when is Eurovision 16+?”, “Are they all crazy?”, “Why does Eurovision have such an age limit?” – fans of the competition wondered.
The case was decided by the portal, which contacted TVP for information on changing the age category. The national broadcaster says the age has been raised due to complaints and comments from viewers from previous years.
“The age rating for the semi-finals and final of the Eurovision Song Contest was introduced following comments from viewers in previous editions that the content of the show was not always appropriate for younger viewers,” the statement reads. At the same time, TVP indicates that the age indication is only a suggestion for the audience.
Programs with an age rating for over 16s can air after 20:00, which is irrelevant for the Eurovision broadcast as it always takes place at 21:00. However, according to Polish law, such a program cannot be repeated during the day, i.e. between 6:00 and 20:00.
“Forewarned is forearmed”
One can only guess that these complaints may have concerned neutral elements of the show, which the national broadcaster may consider “inappropriate”. Eurovision openly supports sexual minorities, and in the future we could watch a same-sex couple kiss on stage. Transgender people are often involved in hosting the show, and many rainbow flags are seen flying in the audience.
In live broadcasts, TVP does not have much interference in what is shown on TV screens, but in the past they cut out certain moments in reruns. In 2019, during the rebroadcast of the concert on TVP Rozrywka, it was decided to cut the performance of the transsexual artist Dana International, during which two men kissing were shown in the audience. The national broadcaster then explained that it was not shown due to the “shortened form of transmission”.
However, this year, during the second semi-final of Eurovision, additional artistic performances appeared on the stage before the announcement of the results. One of them was attended by three drag queens. Aleksander Sikora, who hosted the Polish broadcast, fell silent for a moment, and then very casually explained what the artists were saying. As you can see, you can never be too careful on Polish national television!
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
