Croatia Withdraws from Eurovision 2014. Photograph courtesy of (AP Photo/Filip Horvat)

HRT (Croatian National Broadcaster) have confirmed that they will not be participating at Eurovision 2013 in Copenhagen. The Broadcaster has cited financial challenges as the reason for their decision.

HRT  – like other broadcasters – are finding the current economic climate a strain on their finances and ability to support high standards of broadcasting locally. They have therefore decided to concentrate on their home-grown productions for the next year and give Eurovision a break for at least a year.

Croatia have missed out on qualifying for the Grand final at Eurovision for the last 4 years and hope that a year’s absence from the contest will boost local interest to rejoin the contest in 2015. HRT have stated that they are determined to win the contest and return to their successful ways at Eurovision. 1996 and 1999 saw Croatia reach their best results in the contest – fourth place. However we say to Croatian Eurovision supporters, as in 1993 – “Don’t Ever Cry”

As yet it is not known if another broadcaster will show Eurovision 2014 on Croatian television.

Author/Website co-founder and Editor in Chief Garrett Mulhall

Source : HRT