Irish, Spanish, Dutch and Slovenian public broadcasters withdraw from Eurovision Song Contest 2026, joining widespread condemnation of violence against journalists.
Four major public-service broadcasters, RTÉ (Ireland), RTVE (Spain), AVROTROS (Netherlands), and RTVSLO (Slovenia), all have announced they will not participate in or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, following the decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to allow participation of Israel.
Simultaneously, mounting concerns about the safety and dignity of journalists reporting from Gaza, including contested claims by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and strong criticism from international press-freedom organisations, further underscore the gravity of the situation.
Broadcasters — Statements of Principle.
RTÉ (Ireland): RTÉ has described continuing to broadcast or participate under these circumstances as “unconscionable,” citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and targeted attacks on journalists and civilians.
AVROTROS (Netherlands), RTVE (Spain), RTVSLO (Slovenia): These broadcasters have similarly cited ethical considerations and concerns about legitimacy and fairness in announcing their withdrawal from Eurovision 2026.
Journalists in Gaza – Context & Contested Claims.
On 24 March 2025, two Palestinian journalists, Hossam Shabat and Mohammed Mansour, were killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes. The IDF later claimed they were operatives of militant groups (Hamas and Islamic Jihad), asserting Shabat had served as a “sniper” for a Hamas battalion.
Press-freedom organisations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have rejected these claims.
The public funding package for RTÉ amounts to about €725 million over three years, drawn from both TV-licence fees and direct Exchequer support.
Nevertheless, this public funding aims to support public service broadcasting ( See Minister Martin announces Government agreement on funding of RTÉ and Public Service Media), not the political stances of a previous questionable RTE board.
The funding model for RTÉ was meant to ensure stability and allow RTÉ to deliver “public service programming and content across television, radio and online services.” Critics might say that Eurovision is (or should be) an entertainment / cultural event, not a political theatre. They may argue taxpayers fund RTÉ, so it can deliver neutral public-service output, not pick international political sides when it comes to entertainment contests.
There remain the risk of alienating parts of the public and undermining “public service” trust. In a diverse society, taxpayers hold a range of views. If RTÉ uses public money to take a politically or ethically loaded position, those who disagree (or who believe Eurovision should remain apolitical fun) may feel their money is being used in ways they don’t agree with. That could erode trust in RTÉ’s neutrality.
Potential precedent creates a slippery slope, when politicising cultural events. If RTÉ withdraws from Eurovision on the basis of foreign policy or humanitarian concerns, what stops future withdrawals or boycotts of other cultural events, when public opinion becomes divided?
Using public money to make those decisions could become contentious.
The bailout was, in part, meant to restore RTÉ’s viability, not fund activism. As RTÉ itself argued, the multi-annual funding is “…not a reward for the series of mistakes the organisation has made.”
Same funding was pitched as a way to stabilise the broadcaster financially, not to empower political moralising.
In short: Public subsidy doesn’t necessarily mean public mandate for every political stance. Many could argue that Eurovision is outside the remit of core “public service” obligations.
Public opinion in Ireland is likely divided, some will support RTÉ’s stand, others will feel their TV licence money should be used impartially or that Eurovision should remain separate from geopolitics.
The withdrawal risks politicising what many see as a cultural, apolitical event, and may alienate those who would prefer RTÉ to remain neutral.
Anyway, one thing that everyone will surely agree; RTE’s TV quality and content has greatly declined.
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