Spain's public broadcaster, RTVE, will not air the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest and will replace the live feed with a black screen [1].
The decision marks a significant escalation in the intersection of international diplomacy and cultural events. By cutting the broadcast, Spain is using one of the world's most-watched entertainment programs to signal a formal protest against Israel's presence in the competition during the ongoing Gaza conflict [1], [2].
RTVE said that the move is intended to call for peace and justice for Palestine [2]. This is the first time since 1961 [3] that Spain will not broadcast the event. The 70th anniversary edition of the contest is scheduled for May 2026 [2], [1].
José Manuel Pérez, Director of RTVE, addressed the decision in a statement. "We cannot remain silent while the people of Gaza suffer; therefore we will not broadcast the contest and will replace it with a black screen," Pérez said [1].
An unnamed RTVE spokesperson said that the broadcaster stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people [2]. The decision to use a black screen serves as a visual marker of the boycott, ensuring viewers are aware that the absence of the program is a deliberate political act rather than a technical failure.
Spain joins a growing list of nations and broadcasters that have expressed opposition to Israel's participation in the contest. The move highlights the increasing difficulty the European Broadcasting Union faces in maintaining the event's image as a non-political celebration of music while member nations grapple with geopolitical crises [1].
“"We cannot remain silent while the people of Gaza suffer; therefore we will not broadcast the contest."”
The decision by RTVE reflects a shift where state-funded media outlets are increasingly aligning their programming with the foreign policy goals of their governments. By opting for a black screen rather than simply omitting the event, Spain is creating a public-facing political statement that forces the domestic audience to acknowledge the Gaza conflict during a high-profile cultural moment.
