Nothing particularly exciting, but
Preliminary dates for Eurovision 2009 are 12-14-16th of May.
In summer filming of comedy movie about Eurovision will start.
Eurovision rights have been sold to Middle East and Northern Africa and the launch of local competition is expected soon. US is still in negotiation process.
There will be record number of countries in Junior Eurovision. As ESCKaz previously reported we are welcoming Azerbaijan and Israel and probably will see Poland back as well.
In 1st semifinal 10th jury qualifier was same country that finished 10th in televoting.
Again we were shown last year scorecards that in 50-50 case and in only Western countries voting case Serbia still was the winner.
This year for the first time winner trophy will be awarded, which will be transfering from winner to winner.
I quite disliked explanation of numerous empty seats during 1st semifinal. Producer explained that Serbs have mostly purchased packages, while intending only to use final ticket, thus they didn't turn at the semis and this was unexpected to them. I do not see this as truth on the day of semifinal there WERE 7000 unsold semifinal tickets available on the official site, so the reason of empty seats is different.
Lys Assia and Maria Serifovic were present, they will launch the voting window in 2nd semifinal and final.
Another news: secondary Kazakhstan channel ElArna, member of Khabar media holding (Khabar, Caspionet, ElArna) will for the first ever time broadcast show in Kazakhstan. It should be seen as confirmation that at least one of Kazakhstan channels - Khabar or Kazakhstan 1 which expressed interest earlier this year is interested to join EBU in the very nearest future.