KIEV—British websites and news outlets reported inaccurate information on Saturday night, with headlines claiming that Israel had quit the Eurovision Song Contest live on air.
The confusion came about when newspapers The Sun and the Mirror Online accidentally misinterpreted an announcement made by Israeli commentator Ofer Nachshon on Saturday night during the contest, who said that the tournament would be the last time it is covered by the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) on the eve of its closure.
Ofer Nachson announces IBA's final coverage of Eurovision Song Contest
(הערוץ הראשון)
“....Tonight, is our final night, shortly IBA will shut down its broadcasting forever, so on behalf of all of us here in IBA, let me say thank you Europe for all the magical moments and the beautiful years,” Nachson said during a live announcement.
Seemingly unfamiliar with termination of IBA broadcasts, the Mirror Online drastically misinterpreted Nachshon’s English announcement, reporting:
“Israel has announced they're quitting the Eurovision Song Contest after 44 years. A representative for the nation made the shock announcement live on air as he handed out their scores on Saturday night. He said it was because the Israel Broadcasting Authority is shutting down.”