Following an amazing broadcast by Russia and a remarkable victory by Norway (averaging 9.4 votes from every nation) we turn our eye to the highs and the lows of the contest.
2009 marks the first year for three decades with no Terry Wogan commentary via the BBC. SBS have attempted in previous years to introduce some Australian content to the commentary - for purposes which have never seemed apparent (it clearly weren't broke). With Terry's departure the network understandably decided to use local commentators to fill the vacuum.
Well known SBS identity Julia Zemiro and less-known 3RRR host Sam Peng were sent to Moscow with both of them commentating for the three nights. And it got off on the wrong foot - a cartoon about how Julia loves Eurovision. We don't care. It's not about the host - particularly not the one we already know - it's about the contest. An intro on who Sam was would have been useful, but we instantly found out he was there to carry Julia's bags (literally and metaphorically).
Sam displayed some knowledge of the contest and contestants (basis stuff from the notes the EBU would provide each commentating team) and some wit on the few occasions he was allowed to get a few words in. Yet each time he attempted to add some information or explanation he was told off for being a swot or having done research.
Julia on the other hand continually provided timeless quips and observations like "Yeah", "That was good" and "Who's next?", whilst labouring a few personal favourites (we get it, you liked Belarus, now move on). By way of establishing her reputation as a Eurovision commentator, Julia decided to eat into the mike and appeared tipsy at the second Semi. Knowing that Julia has been involved in Eurovision: The Musical (which displayed a deep knowledge of the contest) we assumed she knew more about the show: if not spotting half of Eurobandid (Iceland 08) in the backup singers for Yohanna, then certainly that Alsou came second in 2000!
We opted to download the BBC coverage with Graham Norton and watched this the day after. The differences were quite clear - a far greater engagement with the audience, more detailed intros, slightly saucy comments after a song, and most noteably the BBC commentators talk over the audio track where SBS turned off the contest's audio whenever Julia and Sam spoke, meaning we kept missing hosts' dialogue or having the music drop in and out.
From the comments at SBS's Eurovision website, the fan reaction is overwhelmingly negative - and somewhat confused. Terry's retirement was never explained - the t-shirts at the end 'Terry's not doing it tonight' were unclear and have led some viewers to think SBS decided to not use Terry's coverage or that he'll back next year. A bit of recognition to the guy on his retirement after 25+ years of commentating would have been polite and avoided viewer confusion. Still, the night got nearly half a million viewers, up 12% or so on last year's coverage.
Constructive feedback: Share the commentating duties next time. One commentator at a time: Sam can do the two semis and Julia the Final - having them both talk was inefficient, the schtick got old quick, and their banter was forgettable. Sam's use of information and delivery of comments will be suited to the semis as we meet 35 nations for the first time. At the Final, some knowledge can be assumed, and more barbed comments made by Julia. If the audience has a preference, then splitting the duties will make it come clear.
Alternatively - save the money and just use the BBC commentary - even post-Wogan it remains brilliant.
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