Executive Producer of ESC 2015 Edgar Böhm in Interview: Discussion Primarily About Costs "Totally Petty and Basically Ridiculous"
In 2015, Edgar Böhm was the main organizer for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna. In light of the upcoming hosting of the competition in Austria following JJ's ESC victory in 2026, the APA spoke with Böhm about the topic of a society of envy, the most significant mistake the new ESC organization team could make, and whether he could be available as a consultant for the ESC 2026.
Edgar Böhm on ESC 2026: "The budget will be available"
APA: Most people thought: A Eurovision Song Contest in Austria is a once in a lifetime thing. Now, eleven years later, it's happening again. Are you only feeling joy or also a bit of discontent about the relativization of your own life's work?
Edgar Böhm: No! I am totally happy that it has happened again. Conchita simply opened a door. Since then, Austria has appeared on the radar of the Song Contest community after decades. And that it's happening again is great for the music country Austria, its artists, and of course ORF.
APA: At the same time, the discussion in the country primarily revolves around the costs of the event. Is that disappointing for you?
Böhm: Instead of great joy and optimism because such a huge event has been brought to the country, now debating the question "Who pays for it?" I find totally petty and basically ridiculous. In this wealthy country, the budget will be available. It can only be in the interest of our republic to handle it decently, properly, professionally, and well-financed. This is a society of envy, which interestingly did not exist at all ten years ago after Conchita's victory. Back then, the question of how much the ESC would burden the ORF budget was not an issue at all.
APA: Positively phrased, one must also state that unlike back then, the question of whether a queer artist can represent the country of Austria is simply no longer an issue today...
Böhm: That's what I mean by opening the door. Conchita moved something. The country collectively asked itself back then: Is that possible too? And that triggered a change in thinking in the Austrian public.
APA: Regardless of financial questions, hosting a major event like the ESC is undoubtedly a great challenge for ORF. Is it conceivable that you might come on board with your experience as an Elder Statesman with a consultancy contract?
Böhm: It's the others' turn now. The next generation of professionals is working at ORF, and they've been doing it for years. One also grows into a role - for me, being the Executive Producer of the ESC was a completely new experience back then. It was always clear to me that when I leave ORF, I would build a new, independent life. And that I wouldn't annoy the young people with good advice and experiences. In the past ten years, an incredible number of things have changed, about which I have no idea.
APA: And yet I must ask you for advice for your successors based on your experiences ...
Böhm: The worst thing one could do now would be to take their time. That's the only thing the team won't have. With such a huge event, time is always running out. For a football championship, you have years of preparation. But the team in this case only has 365 days to organize such a mega event for 37 nations and 150 million viewers. Every hour invested now is worth its weight in gold.
APA: In your view, can the ESC only take place in Vienna in 2026?
Böhm: I don't know how the infrastructure has developed in the cities that applied back then. At that time, the decision was completely clear and objectively justifiable. Whether Graz or Innsbruck have changed their infrastructure enough to be considered is something the new producers must decide.
APA: Will you - wherever it may be - at least watch the ESC 2026 on site as a private individual?
Böhm: Yes, definitely! That would be wonderful. And I assume I will be invited. (laughs)
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.