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Austria’s latest Marketagent study shows the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) enjoys near‑universal name recognition but far more modest enthusiasm.
A new representative survey by Marketagent, conducted among 1,000 respondents in early February, reveals that 99 percent of Austrians know the Eurovision Song Contest, making it even more widely recognized than major global public figures. Despite this overwhelming awareness, only 38 percent describe themselves as very, somewhat, or partially interested in the event.
Interest and Viewing Plans
While the ESC will take place in mid‑May at Vienna’s Stadthalle, 62 percent of respondents consider the contest to have little or no relevance. Younger people tend to view the event more positively, with interest declining steadily among older age groups.
About 32 percent plan to watch at least one of the three live shows, and 26 percent intend to follow the final. Public viewing remains a niche choice: 5 percent expect to attend a public screening, and 3 percent plan to go to the Stadthalle. The overwhelming majority—90 percent—will watch from home, either alone or with friends.
Hosting the ESC: Pride and Skepticism
The study also highlights a divided national mood regarding Austria’s role as host country. Thirty‑seven percent welcome the fact that Austria is hosting the ESC, while 25 percent view it critically.
A majority—54 percent—believe the costs will outweigh the benefits, yet expectations for positive long‑term effects remain high. Seventy percent anticipate a boost to tourism, and 54 percent expect improvements to Austria’s international image.
What Austrians Associate With the ESC
When asked about their associations with the Song Contest, respondents most frequently mentioned glamour and spectacle. The top associations include:
- “Buntes Spektakel” (colorful spectacle) – 34.6%
- Live entertainment – 24.8%
- Diversity, LGBTQ+ community – 23.5%
- Costumes and staging – 23.1%
- Musical variety – 21.7%
On the critical side, 25.4 percent associate the ESC with predictability, unfair voting, or political influence, while 18 percent describe it as over‑the‑top or overproduced.
Israel Debate Still Resonates
The contentious debate over Israel’s participation—prominent in the previous year—remains widely recognized: 60 percent of respondents are aware of it. Opinions are split: 28 percent support Israel’s participation, 26 percent oppose it, and 46 percent remain neutral.
Similarly, 31 percent cannot understand why some countries, such as Spain or the Netherlands, are boycotting the contest, while 29 percent support these boycotts.
- source: vienna.at/picture: eurovision.com
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