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Spain's Eurovision boycott over Israeli participation leaves contest fans torn
RTVE will air alternative programming as fans split over the boycott, while Eurovision still drew 166 million viewers last year, organizers said.
- On Saturday, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE will air a musical tribute instead of the Eurovision Song Contest, having withdrawn in December to protest Israel's participation amid the war against Hamas in Gaza.
- Joining Spain, public broadcasters from Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland also withdrew from the contest, though organizers maintain Eurovision is a competition among broadcasters, not governments.
- Fans remain divided, with some opting to watch via YouTube despite lacking national commentary; Jose Garcia, co-director of a Eurovision news site, warned the boycott impacts the contest's publicity and credibility.
- Before airing the final, the network transmitted the message "Peace and justice for Palestine" on a black background to Spanish televisions; performers Tony Grox and Lucycalys will headline the tribute.
- Perspectives diverge sharply: attendee Vicente Rico at Vienna believes the boycott is morally right but regrets Eurovision being used as a political scapegoat, while Guillermina Bastida argues music and politics should remain separate.
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RTVE's inconsistency has finally backfired. Just 24 hours before launching a scathing political message against Israel and boycotting Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation, one of the corporation's own public channels broadcast a live match between Spain and Israel. Read more
The Corporation issues a new political message coinciding with the beginning of the grand finale of the festival and in which Spain does not participate. More information: Eurovision 2026, today live Timetable, where to see the final and how to vote from Spain
·Spain
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The Seattle TimesReposted by 
Washington Times
Washington TimesSpain’s Eurovision boycott over Israeli participation leaves contest fans torn
Spain is boycotting this year’s edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, after repeatedly expressing disapproval over Israel’s participation.
·Seattle, United States
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Total News Sources42
Leaning Left15Leaning Right6Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 41%
C 43%
R 16%
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