SBS releases statement on Eurovision boycott calls as EBU approves Israel to compete

Australia's broadcaster SBS has released a statement on its position following boycotts of Eurovision 2026 after the EBU approved Israel to compete.

Today, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands have announced that they have withdrawn from the Contest set to take place in Vienna next year due to Israel competing.

Iceland and Belgium are also discussing their position on participation in Eurovision next year.

Regarding these developments, SBS issued the ABC the following statement:

“SBS’s coverage of Eurovision will continue in 2026. Eurovision was created to bring people and cultures together through music, a purpose that continues to guide the contest and has shaped SBS’s broadcast for more than 40 years," a spokesperson said.

"Our position remains that, as a public broadcaster, making a decision to be involved based on the inclusion or exclusion of any country would undermine SBS’s editorial independence and impartiality. SBS recognises and respects the deeply held views and concerns about the war in the Middle East and its impact, both locally among our audiences and internationally, as reflected by other broadcasters.

"Our responsibility is to provide comprehensive, trusted and impartial coverage for Australians across our network, and we will continue to do so.”

Back in October the Guardian Australia reported that SBS had faced viewer backlash over its decision not to support calls for a boycott of Israel at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.

The outlet noted that the issue was raised during Senate Estimates, where senators questioned SBS about the broadcaster’s position and the response from audiences.

SBS revealed they had received approximately 150 pieces of audience feedback since January.

The exchange took place at the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee on 8 October 2025, which oversees portfolios including communications, the arts, and media.

During the hearing, Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi questioned SBS Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman about the broadcaster’s handling of community concerns and its ongoing commitment to airing Eurovision.

Faruqi noted that Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Ireland had all indicated they would withdraw, asking,

“If Israel participates… will you also withdraw, or will you provide cover for Israel?”

SBS Acting Managing Director Jane Palfreyman replied that SBS will still participate.

“We intend to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest,” she said.

She told senators the broadcaster would not take a stance because “impartiality is a bedrock of who we are and our reason for being.”

She added,

“It’s not appropriate for us to form a view on this. It is a matter for the EBU. We’re aware they’re going to vote with members in November, and we’ll look forward to hearing the outcome of that.”

You can check out the full story on the Eurovision discussion during  Senate Estimates here.

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