It has been officially confirmed by the Eurovision media that Malta will be hosting the Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC) for the second time, after Maltese contestant Destiny Chukunyere won the competition last year. It will be held on Sunday 20 November 2016 in Valletta, but not in a singular venue. According to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), who is working hand in hand with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in Malta, it will take place in several locations around the capital city.
PBS Chief Executive Officer, Anton Attard, spoke about this year’s edition of Eurovision and the changes in format which are to be expected. “Within PBS we have tried to challenge every aspect of Junior Eurovision, based on our experience of hosting in 2014. We can again promise a high-quality production, together with some new additions to the format, as well as our Maltese hospitality to everyone who joins us in Malta this November.”
Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor for the Junior Eurovision 2016 spoke about discussions that were held within the contest’s Steering Group to “improve and further the JESC format”. “Many members, including some not taking part, felt that the timeslot was not suited to children and family viewing, so we have tried to bring the competition to a time more fitting for this type of event. On behalf of the EBU, I am very excited that PBS has agreed to host the event again, and look forward to working with them after the benchmark that they set back in 2014.”
On the last point made, the contest will not be held during prime time, as usual, the organizers choosing instead to have it taking place in the afternoon.
Mr Sand then added that he is “very excited that PBS has agreed to host the event again, and look forward to working with them after the benchmark that they set back in 2014.
This newsroom has been trying for months to get into contact with both the PBS and the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government – under which the event organisation falls – all to no avail.
A joint press conference by the PBS and the EBU will be held in Stockholm at the Eurovision Song Contest in May where more details will be revealed.