this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2023
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Because they're an EBU member and the EBU includes the whole Mediterranean, have a map. The reason the Arab states don't compete in Eurovision isn't because they're not allowed to, but because Israel participates. Morocco and Lebanon even are founding members, Israel joined in 1957 (look under "past members" Israel switched organisations in 2017).
Australia got special dispensation to participate even though they're only an associated member because they've been nuts about the contest for ages, constantly hitting very high viewer numbers.
Australia was allowed to participate as a special guest to celebrate the contest's 60th anniversary. People there liked it and ESC was like "whatever, you may stay".
It was like hiring a band for your birthday party, but they turn out to be fun people to have around, so you let them stay after their show.
That's true but the reason they were invited in the first place is because they've been steady fans since 1983. They got a commentary booth in 2012, airtime to fawn in 2013, and then the special guest band in 2014 ah heck here's the link. It wasn't a random thing, besides Australia Eurovision isn't a thing anywhere outside of Europe.
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
airtime to fawn in 2013
here's the link
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