After Gaia Cauchi’s victory in Kyiv, officials from the European Broadcasting Union invited Malta Television to consider hosting Junior Eurovision 2014 in Malta. Yesterday evening Anton Attard, CEO of the Maltese broadcaster PBS, signed the paperwork to confirm PBS’ undertaking as the host broadcaster for next year’s competition.
“We’re proud of our local girl, Gaia Cauchi winning Junior Eurovision in Kyiv in December and want to continue to showcase our talents here,” he said.
PBS Chairman Tonio Portughese says the announcement caps off a year of musical celebration for Malta, which plans to engage thousands of school children in activities connected to next year's event.
"The JESC is a competition, but it is also a celebration of youth achievement," said Mr Portughese. "As a public service broadcaster and also a small island, our vision is to unite Europe in a musical feast."
Junior Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor, Vladislav Yakovlev, has been visiting Malta this week and spoke of his delight with today’s announcement: “We’re really happy that Malta has signed the paperwork so quickly to host in 2014, and it now means that we can move with full steam ahead to next year’s competition! I have been very impressed by PBS’ enthusiasm for the contest, and look forward to working with them as the host broadcaster. It’s a bit of a cliché, but, the hard work starts now!”
No host city - but a host island Junior Eurovision 2014 will be unique in that there will not be a designated ‘host city’ for the event. Instead, it has been decided that the entire island of Malta will the host of Junior Eurovision 2014!
Venue and dates to be decided Further details, such as the venue, dates, and creative concepts will be revealed throughout 2014. However, this week PBS and Vladislav Yakovlev have visited several potential venues for next year.
This will be the first time that Malta has hosted any show from the Eurovision Family of Events.
