The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Reference group arrived today in Moscow, Russia. The purpose of the Reference group arrival is to gather information by Channel 1 Russia, the host broadcaster, about their plans for the event.

Voting procedure and possible improvements, are also in the issues to be discussed.

The Executive Producer of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, Mr. Yury Aksyuta, introduced the Russian Federation, which covers an area of some 17 million square kilometers and has a population of 142 million people. In terms of area size, the Russian Federation is the largest country in the world. Some 10,5 million people live in Moscow, which covers an area of over 1,000 square kilometers, making it the largest city in Europe. Due to Moscow's time zone (GMT+3), the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest will start at 23:00 local time.

Following general concerns about the city's high hotel prices, Moscow city officials assured Channel One to negotiate reasonable room rates in a wide range of prices with official hotels for the occasion of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest.
We have to confess that we’ve seen prices of 215,00 € for a double room in Helsinki (2007) and 65,00 € for a double room in Belgrade (2008). We hope that the rumors wanting Russia to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, not to come true and not to confess it with our own eyes and … pockets!

Some other interesting facts from Channel One's presentation: The Press Centre is proposed to be located at the contest's venue, the Olympiski Arena, to provide optimal comfort for delegates and accredited media officials. Ms. Larisa Krymova has been appointed as PR & Press Officer, and will closely cooperate with the Communications & PR team of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU.

The Opening Reception's preliminary date is Saturday, 9th of May, which is 3 days before the first semi final (12th May). The second semifinal will be on the 14th of May and the final on Saturday 16th May.

Multi-camera Director of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest is Mr. Andrey Boltenko.

After the meeting part of the day, Channel One Russia invited the Reference Group to the Olympiski Arena in downtown Moscow, the proposed venue for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. The group was impressed by the venue's enormous size and underlined the benefit of having all facilities under the same roof.

Source: Eurovision.tv

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