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Moldova’s Public Broadcaster Chief Resigns Over Eurovision Jury Uproar

The exit underscores the power of online backlash to force accountability in a media institution.

Overview

  • Vlad Turcanu stepped down as head of public broadcaster TRM after protests and a torrent of social media criticism over Moldova’s Eurovision jury vote.
  • Moldova’s broadcaster said it distanced itself from the jury’s choices, yet Turcanu told reporters he accepted responsibility as the institution’s leader.
  • The broadcaster-selected jury gave 12 points to Poland, 10 to Israel, and no points to Ukraine, while Romania received only three points despite winning 12 points from Moldova’s televoters.
  • Outrage was sharpened by Moldova’s close cultural ties with Romania, and public figures including former defence minister Anatol Salaru and Moldova’s entrant Satoshi condemned the jury outcome.
  • Eurovision tallies combine a broadcaster-appointed jury with a public televote, a setup that can split opinion and has now intensified scrutiny of how TRM selects its jurors.