BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

17/01/2008

BTRC prepares for 2008 Junior Eurovision

ESCKAZ.COM REPORTS

Belarus broadcaster BTRC has launched preselection process for Junior Eurovision 2008. The conditions to enter are similar to 2007 selection, however, Ministry of Culture is out of the list of organizers of preselection, leaving it solely to BTRC. It is specially noted that support dancing-vocal group of the winner of national selection, should be unchanged for the international final. Deadline for submission is set for February 28th, 2008. This year Belarus will host two shows to select it's representative. By 10th of March jury will announce the list of 20 songs entering semifinal of competition to be held in May. Top 10 from the semi, once again according to jury decision will proceed to the final, which will take place in September. Winner will be selected by both jury and televoting. For the first time there will be official prize fund for both winner and finalists of the competition.

In the meantime, on 3rd of January president of Belarus has issued special awards for those involved in victory of Belarus entry in Junior Eurovision 2007. Chairman of BTRC Alexander Zimovsky received Order of Francysk Skaryna, head of preselection committee, producer of "Lad" channel Lyudmila Borodina and first vice-chairman of Ministry of Culture Vladimir Rylatko received Medal of Francysk Skaryna.

Head of delegation Yuriy Azaryonok received honorary title. Head of Youth music theater Vasiliy Rainchik, vocal coach Olga Vronskaya, choreographer Alexander Mezhenniy and performer Alexey Zhigalkovich have received official thanks. Besides that Alexey got computer, presented by mayor of Minsk, and TV set from administration of region, and as New Year present - DVD player from family.

Source:

http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=2181