Martin Österdahl is to step down from his role as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC) after five years overseeing the world’s largest music event.
Appointed in 2020, Österdahl’s spell in charge included the staging of the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the hosting of the 2023 Contest by the BBC in Liverpool on behalf of 2022’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s Suspilne, and this year’s edition hosted by SRG SSR in Basel.
During his time, the Eurovision Song Contest has implemented changes to such as advancing digital engagement and deepening its commitment to inclusivity across Europe.
Before his appointment as ESC Executive Supervisor, Österdahl, was twice the Executive Producer of the Contest (2013, 2016) and a member of the ESC Reference Group for seven years.
Martin Green, who was appointed Director of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, will assume the Executive Supervisor’s duties on an interim basis.
Österdahl said: “The ESC is now an event where hundreds of thousands sign up to buy tickets, a show watched by hundreds of millions, connecting with youth audiences worldwide, and stands as a unique platform for overnight global success for artists and songwriters.
Green commented: “On behalf of everyone at the EBU, all our participating broadcasters, partners and the entire Eurovision Song Contest community, I extend my sincere thanks to Martin Österdahl for his vision, expertise and tireless commitment to the event. His steady leadership through some of the Contest’s most challenging and innovative years has set new standards of excellence.”
BBC Weather to become more digital and local
BBC Weather has set out plans to make its services more digital and local as audiences increasingly use digital platforms for weather forecasts.
World Cup football drives “solid" financial results for ITV
UK broadcaster ITV has reported a “solid” performance in its first half of 2026 financial results, with the football World Cup driving a 3% growth in advertising despite “macro-economic headwinds”.
UK and US adults spend 11 hours a day consuming media
The average American and British adult spends a cumulative 11 hours consuming different forms of media, according to research by Ampere Analysis.
.jpg)
Channel 4 selects Encompass to deliver managed linear playout services
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has selected Encompass Digital Media to deliver managed linear playout services as part of a new multi-year agreement.
.jpg)
Netflix overtakes BBC as first port of call for UK viewers
Most UK audiences will first turn to Netflix before the BBC or ITV when deciding what to watch, according to research by media regulator Ofcom.
