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Austria’s public broadcaster ORF, host of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, has said it will not silence booing from the audience or ban flags in the arena, including Palestinian ones, during Israel’s performance. The move marks a clear departure from past contests where crowd reaction was managed in the televised mix.
ORF’s executive producer, Michael Kroen, told reporters the broadcaster intends to reflect what happens in the venue “as it is”, without artificial applause or muted crowd noise. Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, ORF’s director of programming, confirmed there would be no effort to drown out boos, even if they occur during a performance.
The announcement arrives amid an ongoing row over Israel’s participation following its selection for the contest and the broader geopolitical backdrop of the Gaza war. Israel’s entry in 2024 prompted significant controversy, including audible booing at performances and then the use of pre-recorded applause to soften the broadcast sound.
This year’s contest drew global attention not only for the music but for the protests, political statements and diplomatic tensions attached to it. Ahead of the 2026 edition, five broadcasters — including those from Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands — have pulled out in protest at Israel’s inclusion, reducing the field to just 35 participants, the fewest since 2003.
Under ORF’s policy, all official flags that comply with local safety and size regulations will be permitted in the arena. Kroen said the broadcaster will not “sugarcoat anything” and wants to present the contest transparently.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, has navigated criticism from multiple sides over how political expression and audience reaction should be handled within the framework of a non-political cultural event. ORF’s stance signals a shift toward allowing unfiltered atmosphere in the host venue, even as broadcasters and fans remain sharply divided on the contest’s broader politics.
