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| STV |
Slovakia's return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 is currently under consideration by STV who, although in severe financial trouble, cannot overlook the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest was highly viewed in the country both in 2009 and 2010. An online poll run by the broadcaster showed clearly that the Slovakian public firmly believes that the country should continue taking part. Moreover, the broadcaster are considering the idea of joining the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
The question in the STV online poll was "Should Slovakia compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 through the STV?" and 87,5% of the voters answered Yes! as they believe that this is the best way to represent their country. Only 9,3% of the voters stated that there are better ways and 3,2% chose the I do not know option.
Currently, the Slovakian national broadcaster is faced with severe budget cuts which may result in closing down two channels (3 and Sport channel) and the merge of Channel 1 and 2. The cuts have affected the daily program of STV but the broadcaster executives are still considering taking part in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest as it brought top TV rating figures for both the national selection and the Eurovision shows.
Furthermore, the fact that the Mini talent show, a show for children on STV, proved highly successful as well, has made the Slovakian broadcaster even consider taking part in the Junior version of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Slovakia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 and since then have taken part only four more times in 1996, 1998, 2009 and 2010. In recent years, the Slovakian public has supported warmly the country's participation and followed the long national selections faithfully but were highly disappointed at the poor results.
Stay tuned for more news from Slovakia!
