MRT the national broadcaster of North Macedonia has announced that it intends to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with discussions ongoing over a possible return to the contest in Vienna, Austria.
MRT set to broadcast Eurovision 2026
Recently, MRT the North Macedonian broadcaster, revealed its programming schedule for the upcoming year. Among the documents a familiar music event appeared in the listings. Next year, the Balkan broadcaster will air the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 taking place in Vienna, Austria next May. Also noted is MRT’s current position on a possible Eurovision return.
“MRT’s participation is a matter for which MRT has not yet made a final decision. The reasons for this are multifaceted. The need for a careful assessment of production and financial possibilities, consideration of the concept for selecting the representative and the performance strategy, as well as the analysis of previous experiences.
The editorial board of MRT will consider all these factors and will make the best decision in accordance with the interests of the public service, the cultural promotion of the country and the expectations of the audience.”
This comes in the aftermath of public calls from North Macedonian citizens to reconsider Eurovision participation. Since their withdrawal in 2023 citing financial difficulties, MRT have made several attempts to return to the contest. Later this year, the broadcaster will continue its long tradition of Junior Eurovision participation in Tbilisi, Georgia.
North Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Before declaring independence, North Macedonia competed as part of Yugoslavia and within the Yuglosav pre-selection for Eurovision. Although many North Macedonian songwriters composed entries for Yugoslav representatives from other states, North Macedonia never represented Yugoslavia on the Eurovision stage with a competing vocalist.
After gaining independence in 1991, North Macedonia tried to enter the 1996 edition with Kaliopi and er entry, ‘Samo ti‘. However it failed to advance through the pre-qualifying round. The first official representative for the Balkan nation came later in 1998, with Vlado Janevski and ‘Ne zori, zoro‘. In Birmingham he placed 19th with 16 points.
Over the years North Macedonia has had one of the most turbulent Eurovision journey’s, with 9 finalists from 21 participations and only one top 10 placing. Their best result came in 2019 with the returning, Tamara Todevska and her emotional ballad, ‘Proud‘. During the Tel Aviv contest, she finished 7th with 305 points.
For their last participation the North Macedonian jury and public chose Andrea and ‘Circles’ through Za Evrosong 2022. During the Turin contest she tested the limits of qualification and just missed out on the Grand Final, placing 11th with 76 points in Semi-Final 2.
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