Musings – Small country, Mega cheek, Über marketing
It is reported that on Saturday 17th March, “the Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest evaluated the San Marino entry Facebook, Uh, Oh, Oh. It was concluded that the entry is in breach of rule 1.2.2.g of the contest.”
Ah yes, 1.2.2.g.
Tricky one that.
This was written on a certain blog hours before this devastatingly shock news emerged.
These sage words appeared on the website of a radio program somewhat associated with this one below the clip of said “Facebook, Uh, Oh, Oh” – “Enjoy before the injunctions start flying.” (http://fullcatastrophe.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/the-full-catastrophean-tubaiste-iomlan-17th-march-2012/)
Such insight !!!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kQBEzzFRBs]
As we say in these parts, blind Freddy could have told you this song was a non-starter.
Trademarked products plus “cyber sex” in the lyrics!!!!
How many “Ohs” in OBVIOUS ?
I fancy the TV chiefs (and tourism officials) in the world’s oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic may not be – as we also say round here – fair dinkum.
Then there’s the record companies further afield.
It’s simple, effective marketing.
1)Release a song from a little known country that is blatantly in contravention of ESC rules on the cusp of a weekend.
2) Do so along with a very well produced clip featuring national colours (blue & white) of said little know country.
3) Wait for the lumbering giant of the European Broadcasting Union to act.
4) Wait for huge spike in traffic to any website etc with the words “San” & “Marino”.
Or perhaps it was an honest mistake.
(Pause – for ironic effect)
The EBU is giving those naughty Sammarinese until March 22nd to find another song or else.
Perhaps “Super Extra Wonder Shop” played on continuous loop may be an adequate punishment for those rule breakers in Serravalle, Faetano & Fiorina.
Whatever the “truth” behind Valentina Monetta-gate, we now all know there’s a San Marino and where it is.
And we’ll be talking about it here and wherever Eurovision geeks congregate for years to come.
RECENT PODCAST
Vienna glitters for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest
Image credit: EBU The Eurovision Song Contest takes place for the 70th time in 2026. And once again, Vienna gets to ...
Elephant in the room: New Eurovision rules, old problems; new tunes, old mates
JOYEurovision is back for season 2026. And with it being the 70th edition of the world's biggest music competition, we ...
LISTEN TO PODCAST NOW
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:30 — 50.8MB)
Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Podchaser | RSS
Previewing the second half of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025
So many kids, so little time... but they're all so so talented, and representing their countries in the Junior Eurovision ...
LISTEN TO PODCAST NOW
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:22 — 52.5MB)
Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Podchaser | RSS