Following a competitive tender process BBC Studios has retained the contract to produce the Eurovision TV coverage for the BBC.
The tendering of returning series forms part of the BBC’s contestability requirements and our commitment to commission the best programmes for audiences, regardless of who makes them. The tender was launched in February 2024 and following strong competition, BBC Studios’ bid scored highest against the published criteria.
The contract is for two years starting in May 2026 and is to produce the live UK coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest which is traditionally 2 x 120’ episodes (Semi-Finals) and 1 x 220’ episode (the Grand Final).
BBC Studios will also work alongside the BBC in the selection of the UK act, and oversee their performance.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “Eurovision is one of the key annual events that brings the nation together and we look forward to working with BBC Studios to deliver its ongoing success in the years ahead. This was an extremely competitive process and we would like to commend the shortlisted producers for the high quality and comprehensive proposals they put forward.”
Notes to Editors
In the event that the UK wins the Eurovision Song Contest during the life of this tender, as Host Broadcaster, the BBC will run a separate tender to select the producer of the Global Eurovision Song Contest event.
The production will remain in Salford and will qualify as Out of London under the Ofcom criteria.
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