So the semi-finals and final stay at 21:00 CET. SVT had tried to have them moved to 20:00 to accommodate the longer run time and counties in the far east of 'Europe'.
There shall be six guaranteed places therein (i.e. one for the producing organization (the "Host Broadcaster"), five EBU Members from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom).
Subject to a decision by the EBU in consultation with the Reference Group, the number of guaranteed places in the Final may be modified depending on circumstances.
Not really - it's been fine where it is for decades and been over three hours long for the last 15-20 years. Many other countries don't begin their prime time till 8.30/9pm anyway and unlike here big entertainment shows being on air just before midnight isn't unusual.
You are right with some Eastern countries accepting it. But I think Russia may have received the highest ratings boost if the move was to have happended.
Therefore, I suggest they will withdraw 2017 because of the timing issue and the fact they'll definatley get booed at the 2016 contest because of Crimea and the sporting scandals.
Not really - it's been fine where it is for decades and been over three hours long for the last 15-20 years. Many other countries don't begin their prime time till 8.30/9pm anyway and unlike here big entertainment shows being on air just before midnight isn't unusual.
Also, several large EBU-member broadcasters that air the ESC -- including ARD, RAI Uno, and France 2 -- have their flagship newscasts at 8:00 p.m. CET.