TV Licensing

Eurovision viewers are ‘tribal’ about their reasons for watching the international songfest

Eurovision unites a curious band of different domestic ‘tribes’ in the big night of live viewing Eurovision, according to a survey conducted by TV Licensing.

As many as 19 per cent are the patriots who cheer loud but reckon the chance of victory is slim, whereas 20 per cent regard themselves as ‘Superfans’, the kind who need to read the subtitled translations to fully appreciate the international musical contest.

The survey also shows almost a third of people plan to watch the final in secret, with 30 per cent claiming their live viewing of the final is a guilty pleasure they will not be telling their friends about.

The different ways people engage with Eurovision are as diverse as the acts themselves, says Jason Hill, TV Licensing spokesperson. Everyone watches Eurovision differently. However you choose to watch, it is important to be aware of the need to be covered by a valid TV Licence to watch or record programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV or live on an online TV service.

One person who most certainly is not ashamed to divulge their plans for Eurovision is Glen Bartlett, blogger and Eurovision 'Superfan’.

I love Eurovision as it doesn't take itself too seriously. It's fun, it's unique - it's a massive celebration of Eurovision music with a touch of sparkle thrown in! I’m definitely in the ‘Superfan’ tribe. It brings families and friends together for one night of the year, and not many TV programmes can do that anymore.

As many as 180 million people across the world are expected to watch the Final, which will feature an Australian entry for the very first time.

According to the survey of 2,000 people, these are the UK’s Eurovision viewer tribes:

Deniers : 30%

They admit to themselves that it’s still not quite the coolest thing to watch Eurovision and won’t be telling too many people they’re tuning in, but from the moment Graham Norton starts his commentary, they’re hooked. Turns out, this is most of the country!

Sceptics : 21%

These are the viewers who don't so much watch it for the cheesy Europop, but for the voting - to prove their theory that everything is based on neighbourly allegiances.

SuperFans : 20%

Translating the lyrics is just one part of being a Eurovision Superfan, who presses the red button to chuckle at the frequently bizarre lyrics. They have perfect recall of Lithuania’s 2006 entry, which translated as:

We are the winners of Eurovision, We are, we are, we are, we are.

Sadly they came 6th.

Patriots : 19%

Union Jacks at the ready, these are the viewers who cheer the loudest when the UK entry begins, even though, deep down, they know that there really isn’t much chance of success. At all.

Party People : 7%

For the party animal, Eurovision is an opportunity to let go, get creative with food and wine and make it a night to remember. Moldovan vodka ice cubes anyone? Check! Rare Austrian smoked cheese platter? Check! Montenegrin Chardonnay? Check!

Gamblers : 3%

With office sweepstakes taking place on the Friday before the show, “there’s no excuse not to have a punt on the likely winner”, says the Eurovision gambler. Will the pre-event favourite hold up and go on to win, or will a no-hoper defy all expectations?

The first Eurovision Song Contest 2015 semi-final will take place on Tuesday 19 May, followed by the second on Thursday 21 May - the winners will then perform at the Grand Final on Saturday 23 May, which will be broadcast live on BBC One.

We would always prefer people to pay than risk a fine or prosecution, and we certainly don’t want people to be waking up the next day with a prospect of a £1,000 fine. We offer a wide range of payment options to help spread the cost and suit people’s needs. These can all be set up quickly and easily online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk or by phone, added TV Licensing spokesperson Jason Hill.

Illustrations for all the Eurovision ‘tribes’, and other high quality images to accompany this release are available via Flickr.