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Eurovision disaster sparks cultural debate in Malta
By Toni Sant in Belgrade
May 23, 2008 - 6:10:11 PM
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Malta's third consecutive dismal result at the Eurovision Song Contest raises several questions from observers, fans, and the general public. Following Malta's elimination from this year's contest on Thursday evening, there is a clear need to revise the way the country has chosen to represent itself at this annual song contest.
Barring a complete withdrawal, similar to the one in the 1970s, which kept Malta out of the Eurovision Song Contest for 16 years, it is likely that a respectable result will only follow once the way the Maltese entry is selected and presented receives considerable updating.
Malta's Eurovision participation is arguably a trivial issue. However, judging by the widespread interest that the contest has gathered from fans and critics alike since the 1990s, it is one that cannot easily be ignored. More than this, since there are public funds to the tune of thousands of euros spent each year on selecting and presenting the winning song, the public has a right to have its say in this matter.
Then there's the question of cultural relevance. Seen as part of Malta's wider vision to publicize itself as a nation worthy of joining the European Union taking part in the Eurovision makes sense. Yet, interestingly, two EU countries - Italy and Austria - are now conspicuously absent from the contest. In spite of this, there are reasons to believe that Malta's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is not merely an exercise in the perpetuation of kitsch, which is the main criticism that is constantly levelled at the event by its detractors.
Resignation announcements from the Maltasong board are not only expected but inevitable. Finger pointing is not particularly fruitful given that the board already resigned a couple of months ago - due to post-general elections protocol - and were reappointed simply because it was not appropriate to appoint a replacement so close to the date of the contest in Belgrade.
A complete review of Malta's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is in order. Thankfully, the Ministry of Education is now responsible for both culture
and public broadcasting. This lends itself perfectly for not just a fresh look on the way the two combine in this matter, but also to facilitate any related educational aspects too. There are numerous possibilities for learning and teaching, particularly at the tertiary level of education, at this international event and it would indeed be a pity if these continue to be overlooked wholesale, as they have been to date.
The first public appearance for the Maltese delegation following the
Eurovision semifinal will be on Friday evening during the popular television
programme Xarabank, which will feature a live satellite link-up from Belgrade. It is not expected that the delegation will address these issues satisfactorily during the programme. That's understandable. These things take time.
For more detailed information about Malta's participation in the
Eurovision
Song Contest see EurovisionMalta.com.
See also:
Malta fails to make it to Eurovision 2008 final
May 23, 2008 - 11:00:09 PM
More comments on Malta's entry at Eurovision 2008
from Toni Sant's Blog
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