The debate surrounding Israel’s potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has reached Norway’s public broadcaster. According to Norwegian media, a group of NRK employees has formally addressed a letter to the broadcaster’s management, calling for the country’s withdrawal from the contest should Israel be allowed to compete.
In their appeal, the employees argue that NRK has both the ability and the responsibility to take a stand on the issue, insisting that:
“NRK can and must say no to Israel’s participation in Eurovision.”
They frame their demand not only as a political stance but also as a matter of journalistic integrity, emphasizing that silence would undermine the broadcaster’s credibility at a time of heightened international scrutiny.
The letter also highlights the deaths of several journalists in the ongoing conflict, urging NRK to honour their memory by refusing to engage in a cultural event that, in their view, risks normalising Israel’s actions. The employees call on both the broadcaster and the Norwegian public to take a clear position against Israel’s involvement in the contest.
This is not the first time Eurovision’s Norwegian delegation has faced pressure over the issue. Earlier this year, segments of the public had warned that protests would continue regardless of the broadcaster’s stance, with activists insisting that Eurovision participation is inseparable from broader political and ethical concerns.
As of now, NRK has not issued an official response to the letter, and Norway remains listed among the participants for Eurovision 2026. However, the employees’ intervention intensifies the debate and puts additional pressure on the broadcaster to clarify its position in the months ahead.
Source: Aftenposten
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