Eurovision bosses take drastic action after rehearsal footage leaks in ‘potential hack’
Contest organisers have reportedly brought in experts to deal with the leak (Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP) The Eurovision Song Contest is taking drastic steps following rehearsal footage being leaked after an online feed was ‘potentially hacked’. Contest organisers have reportedly brought in lawyers and cybersecurity experts to deal with the leak. At a press briefing this morning, Martin Green, the European Broadcasting Union’s Eurovision director, addressed the rehearsal leaks. ‘We have to send a signal out to the juries during those shows and amongst our different members, technology differs in how modern it is,’ he said. ‘And therefore, sadly, if you have the intent to do it, you can potentially hack into that … is what I understand. It’s sad that people do that. ‘It also shows you what a demand there is out there for it. Every year we manage to tighten up a bit more, and we will continue to do it.’ It’s believed the footage may have leaked after a hacker accessed a jury live stream(Picture: EPA) Green went on to explain that a cybersecurity team had managed to take down a lot of the footage and that he didn’t want the contest to be spoiled for anyone. ‘We regret that despite our best efforts to keep the content of our shows a surprise for the millions watching around the world,’ an EBU spokeswoman added. ‘It’s regrettable that some people spoil the experience by publishing dress rehearsal content online. ‘Where possible, we work with platforms, EBU Members, cyber security experts and lawyers to remove this content to protect artists and the integrity of the live shows.’ Reports that the leaked footage included a message from singer Celine Dion, wishing the contestants luck, and ruling out her return to the Eurovision stage have been dismissed by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR. (Picture: EPA) They insisted there are currently ‘no changes regarding Celine Dion – we are still in close contact with her’. The second semi-final will start on Thursday 8pm UK time, ahead of the final on Saturday. More to follow… Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
The Eurovision Song Contest is taking drastic steps following rehearsal footage being leaked after an online feed was ‘potentially hacked’.
Contest organisers have reportedly brought in lawyers and cybersecurity experts to deal with the leak.
At a press briefing this morning, Martin Green, the European Broadcasting Union’s Eurovision director, addressed the rehearsal leaks.
‘We have to send a signal out to the juries during those shows and amongst our different members, technology differs in how modern it is,’ he said.
‘And therefore, sadly, if you have the intent to do it, you can potentially hack into that … is what I understand. It’s sad that people do that.
‘It also shows you what a demand there is out there for it. Every year we manage to tighten up a bit more, and we will continue to do it.’
It’s believed the footage may have leaked after a hacker accessed a jury live stream(Picture: EPA)Green went on to explain that a cybersecurity team had managed to take down a lot of the footage and that he didn’t want the contest to be spoiled for anyone.
‘We regret that despite our best efforts to keep the content of our shows a surprise for the millions watching around the world,’ an EBU spokeswoman added. ‘It’s regrettable that some people spoil the experience by publishing dress rehearsal content online.
‘Where possible, we work with platforms, EBU Members, cyber security experts and lawyers to remove this content to protect artists and the integrity of the live shows.’
Reports that the leaked footage included a message from singer Celine Dion, wishing the contestants luck, and ruling out her return to the Eurovision stage have been dismissed by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR.
(Picture: EPA)They insisted there are currently ‘no changes regarding Celine Dion – we are still in close contact with her’.
The second semi-final will start on Thursday 8pm UK time, ahead of the final on Saturday.
More to follow…
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
