Regardless of the results of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2017, Belarus will host the next year’s song forum. Ina year, the representative of Belarus at the contest in Georgia – Helena Meraai – will welcome young performers fr om around the world in Minsk.
The European Broadcasting Union chooses the country that will host the contest for young performers. Any TV company that has joined the EBU can submit its application. Such international project requires impressive financial investments, and earlier planning allows the host broadcaster to work out the budget for the show wisely.
Belteleradiocompany will organize the 16th Junior Eurovision. The main media holding of the country already has a wealth of experience. 7 years ago, Belarus held the contest in Minsk-Arena. The arena became one of the biggest concert halls in the history of the project. 14 participating countries, as well as other national broadcasters, including Australia and New Zealand, televised the show live.
Olga Shlyager, the Deputy General Producer of Belteleradiocompany:
"Back in 2010, we already had a wonderful arena for the show. We did not have to rebuild or invent anything. Minsk Arena is a wonderful place wh ere a huge number of locations can be concentrated, so as not to move around the city, so it is very convenient. Also, our hotel complex is situated in such a way that everyone is well accommodated and feels comfortable, and it is very important."
An impressive trophy fund that Belarus has gained at the Eurovision also spoke in favour of the country. Belarus claimed twice in the competition victory. Also, it has a number of second and third places, too.
Olga Shlyager, the Deputy General Producer of Belteleradiocompany:
"Belteleradiocompany is one of the few broadcasters that have kept the national selection stage. The EBU producers note they watch our national selections with great interest and always highly commend the organization of the show. Basically, we’ve been discussing the possibility of hosting the Junior Eurovision for several years now."
Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, will soon arrive in Minsk. The head of the popular show will visit the possible venues for the contest and discuss organizational matters. Hosting the show is expected to involve lots of Belarusian experts, including administrators, graphic designers, cameramen, sound engineers, and volunteers.
Gennady Davydko, the Chairman of Belteleradiocompany:
"Belteleradiocompany is has all the technical equipment for hosting the contest. We already have some experience in hosting a variety of song contests and sporting events. I hope this time we will update our equipment, too. It is not only Belteleradiocompany that will host the contest. The city council, ministries, and lots of other agencies – all together we will make Eurovision a great festival."
The Eurovision is more than just a song contest. In addition to numerous rehearsals, participants will enjoy a full programme that will include a tour of Belarus for the guests to get acquainted with the sights and culture of Belarus.
Now, Belteleradiocompany is developing a slogan and logo for the contest in Minsk. Although for over 10 years, the show has had a universal symbol – the recognizable label Uurovision, the hosts always work on an image of their own. For example, this year the logo of Georgia as the hosting country looks like rays of the sun, and the slogan is Shine Bright.
In less than a month, Helena Meraai will represent Belarus in Tbilisi. The schedule of the young performer is quite busy now and includes vocal and choreography classes, as well as training sessions in acting skills. Now, they are making a video for the English-language version of Helena’s song – I Am The One.
