Slovenia’s Public Broadcaster Cancels Eurovision Broadcast, Replaces It with Palestine-Focused Programming

Slovenia’s national public broadcaster, RTV Slovenia, has decided not to broadcast the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest and will instead air a specially prepared program titled “Voices of Palestine,” marking a significant shift in its programming strategy for one of Europe’s most widely watched entertainment events. The decision follows the country’s earlier withdrawal from participation in the contest and reflects a broader stance taken in response to the continued inclusion of Israel in the competition.

According to the reports, RTV Slovenia confirmed that it will replace the traditional Eurovision broadcast during the semi-finals and final with a thematic series consisting of documentaries, feature films, talk shows, and analytical content focused on Palestine and the wider Middle East context. The programming block will run during the same time slots as Eurovision, ensuring that viewers are offered an alternative content lineup instead of the music competition.

The broadcaster’s director, Ksenija Horvat, stated that Eurovision would not be aired and that the replacement program would include Palestinian documentaries and feature films. The reports emphasize that this decision is not limited to participation but extends to a complete broadcasting blackout of the event.

The move is directly linked to earlier developments within the European Broadcasting Union, which decided to allow Israel to participate in the 2026 contest. Following that decision, Slovenia joined several other countries in withdrawing from the competition and declining to broadcast it. The reports mention that Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain are among the countries that have also announced boycotts, although not all of them have chosen to remove the broadcast entirely.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to take place in Vienna from May 12 to May 16, with 35 countries expected to participate. Despite the organizers’ stated aim to keep the competition separate from political issues, the reports highlight that the event has once again become entangled in international political tensions, particularly in connection with the war in Gaza and the debate over Israel’s participation.

RTV Slovenia framed its programming decision as part of its public service mission, emphasizing the intention to provide content that encourages deeper understanding, dialogue, and critical reflection on contemporary global issues. The “Voices of Palestine” series is described as offering diverse perspectives, ranging from personal experiences to broader social and political themes, with the aim of presenting a multilayered view of one of the most significant international topics at present.

At the same time, the decision carries historical significance, as this will be the first time since Slovenia’s independence that Eurovision will not be broadcast in the country.

The reports present the move as both a programming shift and a political statement, illustrating how a traditionally entertainment-focused event has become a focal point for broader debates about international conflict, media responsibility, and the role of public broadcasters in addressing global issues.