Overview

• SWR will lead ARD’s 2026 Vorentscheid for the first time, ending nearly three decades of NDR stewardship.
• The broadcaster said no cooperation with Stefan Raab or RTL is planned, with partner arrangements still to be determined.
• Reports citing a GEMA email indicate entries will be screened by an ESC editorial team, assessed through international market research, and shortlisted for a one-night final at the end of February.
• Coverage suggests the televised show would use both audience voting and an expert jury to pick Germany’s act, though ARD has not finalized the mechanics.
• The revamp unfolds as Eurovision faces boycott threats over Israel’s potential participation ahead of an EBU discussion in December, while Russia launches an Intervision rival in Moscow.