Eurovision Song Contest 2008#Broadcasting

File:Beogradska Arena - panoramio.jpg

Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) gained the right to host the contest after "{{lang|sr-latn|Molitva|i=unset}}" performed by Marija Šerifović won the {{escyr|2007||2007 contest}} in Helsinki, Finland. On 15 May 2007, one day following the final of the 2007 contest, RTS reported that it would host the 2008 contest in Belgrade.{{cite news |title=Marija na evropskoj turneji |trans-title=Marija on a European tour |url=https://istorijskenovine.unilib.rs/view/index.html#panel:pp|issue:UB_00064_20070515{{!}}page:12{{!}}query:evrosong%20evrosonga%20evroson |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=Borba |date=15 May 2007 |location=Belgrade, Serbia |page=12 |language=Serbian |via=Pretraživa digitalna biblioteka}} The broadcaster chose the Belgrade Arena in Belgrade as the venue for the contest,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=899&Itemid=239 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123211906/http://www.eurovision.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=899&Itemid=239 |archive-date=2007-11-23 |title=Welcome to Belgrade Arena. |publisher=Eurovision.tv |date=2007-05-13 |access-date=2007-05-14 |url-status=dead }} one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe, with a total capacity of 25,000 seats.

On 14 September 2007, the Mayor of Helsinki handed over the "Eurovision keys" to the Deputy of Belgrade. This ceremony is meant to be a tradition from the 2008 contest and onward, and the ring contains a key from every city that has ever hosted the competition.{{cite web|url=http://eurovision.tv/content/view/892/262/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016164022/http://eurovision.tv/content/view/892/262/ |archive-date=2007-10-16 |title=Belgrade received Helsinki city keys |publisher=Eurovision.tv |date=2007-09-14 |access-date=2007-09-19 |url-status=dead }}

Following the unilateral Kosovo declaration of independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, which has resulted in protests and unrest across the country, the host of the event was considered to be changed.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-belgrade-2008|title=The end of a decade: Belgrade 2008|publisher=eurovision.tv|date=2009-12-31|access-date=2020-04-06|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802041632/https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-belgrade-2008|url-status=live}} The National Television Company of Ukraine (NTU) was considered an option since they came second in 2007. Yleisradio (YLE) were another option, as they hosted the previous year's competition in Helsinki, Finland.{{cite web |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/10597 |title=Helsinki could host Eurovision again |publisher=ESCToday.com |date=2008-02-22 |access-date=2008-02-22 |archive-date=25 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225151846/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/10597 |url-status=live }} Greece's Ellinikí Radiofonía Tileórasi (ERT) also offered the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to host the contest in Athens, Greece again. It was later decided that the contest would stay in Belgrade, with the EBU giving support. RTS would gain a guarantee of safety and security from the government of Serbia for all visitors and participants. The delegations of {{esccnty|Albania|y=2008}}, {{esccnty|Croatia|y=2008}}, and {{esccnty|Israel|y=2008}} had special security.{{cite web|url=https://evrovizija.rs/2008-beograd/|title=2008. Beograd|publisher=evrovizija.rs|access-date=2020-04-06|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527072204/https://evrovizija.rs/2008-beograd/|url-status=live}} In the end, the contest was held without any incidents.

{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{ESC 2008 participants}}

Eligibility for potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest requires a national broadcaster with active EBU membership capable of receiving the contest via the Eurovision network and broadcasting it live nationwide. The EBU issued an invitation to participate in the contest to all active members.

On 21 December 2007, the EBU confirmed that 43 countries would be present in Belgrade.{{cite news |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9947 |title=43 Countries for Eurovision 2008 |publisher=ESCToday.com |access-date=2007-12-23 |archive-date=22 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222122516/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9947 |url-status=live }} {{esccnty|San Marino}}, as well as the newest EBU member, {{esccnty|Azerbaijan}}, made its debut at the 2008 contest. {{esccnty|Austria}} did not compete; its broadcaster, {{lang|de|Österreichischer Rundfunk|i=no}} (ORF), said "we've already seen in 2007 that it's not the quality of the song, but the country of origin that determines the decision."{{cite news|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9678 |title=Austria will not go to Belgrade |publisher=ESCToday.com |date=2007-11-20 |access-date=2007-11-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121003524/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9678 |archive-date=2007-11-21 }}

Automatic grand finalists {{esccnty|Germany|y=2008}} and {{esccnty|Spain|y=2008}} exercised voting rights at the first semi-final. {{esccnty|France|y=2008}}, the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=2008}} and Serbia exercised voting rights at the second semi-final. Spain and France each broadcast only the semi-final in which they participated; Germany, Serbia, and the United Kingdom screened both semi-finals (with Germany broadcasting on a delay).

Several of the performing artists had previously competed as lead artists representing the same country in past editions: Charlotte Perrelli had won the contest for {{esccnty|Sweden|y=1999|t=Sweden in 1999}}; Dima Bilan had represented {{esccnty|Russia|y=2006|t=Russia in 2006}}; and Roberto Meloni, a member of Pirates of the Sea, had represented {{esccnty|Latvia|y=2007|t=Latvia in 2007}} as part of Bonaparti.lv. In addition, Gisela representing Andorra, had provided backing vocals for {{esccnty|Spain|y=2002|t=Spain in 2002}}.

Active EBU member broadcasters in {{Esccnty|Austria}}, {{Esccnty|Monaco}}, {{Esccnty|Slovakia}}, and {{Esccnty|Tunisia}} confirmed non-participation prior to the announcement of the participants list by the EBU.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/9801/monaco_will_not_return_in_2008/ |title=Monaco will not return in 2008 |publisher=ESCToday |last=Floras |first=Stella |date=2007-12-06 |access-date=2020-07-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417193234/https://esctoday.com/9801/monaco_will_not_return_in_2008/ |archive-date=2023-04-17}}{{cite web |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9603 |title=Slovakia: No participation in Belgrade! |last=Kasapoglou |first=Yiorgos |date=2007-11-12 |publisher=ESCToday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114003339/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9603 |archive-date=2007-11-14 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://esctoday.com/8864/tunisia_will_not_participate_in_the_forseeable_future/ |title=Tunisia will not participate "in the forseeable future" |first=Michael |last=Kuipers |date=2007-06-20 |website=ESCToday |access-date=30 May 2017 |archive-date=2017-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015100205/http://esctoday.com/8864/tunisia_will_not_participate_in_the_forseeable_future/ |url-status=live }}

File:ESC 2008 - Presenters at the 1st semifinal.jpg and Jovana Janković during the first semi-final]]

On 4 March 2008, RTS revealed that Jovana Janković and Željko Joksimović would be the presenters of the contest. Janković served as an anchor of the RTS morning show and hosted the allocation draw ceremony held earlier that year, while Joksimović represented {{esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro|y=2004|t=Serbia and Montenegro in 2004}} and hosted the allocation draw with Janković in January.{{Cite web |date=2008-03-06 |title=Jovana & Zeljko present Belgrade 2008 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/jovana-zeljko-present-belgrade-2008 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162346/https://eurovision.tv/story/jovana-zeljko-present-belgrade-2008 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Jovana Jankovic and Zeljko Joksimovic will host the ESC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzBXXtDMS6U |access-date=2023-07-06 |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163636/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzBXXtDMS6U |url-status=live }}

File:ESC 2008 Mama logo.jpg

RTS ran a competition that led to the creation of the 2008 contest's branding, logo and the stage.{{cite web|url=http://ww1.rts.co.rs/euro/kategorija_vesti.asp?IDCategory=5 |title=Serbia 2008: THE WINNER OF THE LOCAL OPEN COMPETITION FOR THE SUBLOGO – CODE MAMA 2008 |publisher=RTS.co.yu |date=2007-07-05 |access-date=2007-07-05 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On 1 October 2007, the logo titled "Mama 2008" was announced as the winner among 455 submissions.{{cite web |url=https://esctoday.com/9351/eurovision_2008_the_sublogo_competition_winner/ |title=Eurovision 2008: The sublogo competition winner |first=Stella |last=Floras |publisher=ESC Today |date=2007-10-01 |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707164224/https://esctoday.com/9351/eurovision_2008_the_sublogo_competition_winner/ |url-status=live }} The stage design, titled "Confluence" was also declared as the winner among 70 submissions.{{cite web |url=http://eurovisionnews.blogspot.com/2007/10/eurovision-2008-stage-design-and.html |title=Eurovision 2008: The stage design and the sublogo |date=2007-10-06 |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162331/http://eurovisionnews.blogspot.com/2007/10/eurovision-2008-stage-design-and.html |url-status=live }} However, due to the negative responses to the design, the logo was subsequently changed, and the new logo was presented in January 2008.{{cite web |url=https://esctoday.com/10305/eurovision_2008_new_logo_and_theme/ |title=Eurovision 2008: New logo and theme |first=Stella |last=Floras |publisher=ESC Today |date=2008-01-30 |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=6 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706145728/https://esctoday.com/10305/eurovision_2008_new_logo_and_theme/ |url-status=live }} The stage design was also eventually changed.{{cite web |url=http://eurovisionnews.blogspot.com/2007/10/datalied-stage-image-of-2008-eurovision.html |title=Datalied stage image of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest |date=2007-10-10 |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=6 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706145726/http://eurovisionnews.blogspot.com/2007/10/datalied-stage-image-of-2008-eurovision.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://eurovisionary.com/eurovision-news/first-graphic-video-stage-published |title=First graphic video of the stage published |date=2008-03-26 |access-date=2023-07-06 |quote=This seems to be the final design of the stage and most of you will notice that it differs considerably from the first draft of the design. |archive-date=6 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706145910/https://eurovisionary.com/eurovision-news/first-graphic-video-stage-published |url-status=live }}

The theme of the contest was based around the "confluence of sound". This was symbolic as Belgrade lies on the confluence of two European rivers, the Sava and Danube. The replacement logo, a treble clef, formed the graphical basis of the design created by Boris Miljković.{{cite web |url=http://www.blic.co.rs/zabava.php?id=28773 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703154821/http://www.blic.co.rs/zabava.php?id=28773 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-03 |title=Izabran novi logo za "Evrosong" u Beogradu |publisher=blic.co.rs |date=2007-07-05 |access-date=2008-02-01 }}

The postcards in the first and second semi-final were based around the creation of the flag of the nation that was to perform next. Each post card had a short story related to each country and its people. During each postcard a short letter was displayed. All were in the national language of the artist's country, with the exception of the Serbian postcard, which consisted of "Welcome to Belgrade" and "Welcome to Serbia" in various languages. The postcards were brought to an end by a stamp with this year's Eurovision logo.

File:Flickr - proteusbcn - Semifinal 1 EUROVISION 2008 (9).jpg

According to RTS the stage represented native identities, history and modern themes, symbols and universally recognised messages. The confluence-themed stage also contained a large number of television and LCD display screens. The stage had settings for all new electronic possibilities including some movable parts of the stage.{{cite web |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9410 |title=Eurovision 2008: Full stage image – The Sava, the Danube & Kalemegdan |publisher=ESCToday.com |date=2007-10-10 |access-date=2007-10-10 |archive-date=12 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012013257/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9410 |url-status=live }} It was designed by Chicago-based David Cushing.

The first semi-final was created around a city theme. The contest opened with a panorama of the city of Belgrade forming in the stage's background with two waves sliding down the stage to meet in the centre – at the confluence, the overall theme of the contest.

The second semi-final was based around the theme of water, which was enhanced by the look of the stage during the interval act where the water formed the main colours of the stage.

The grand final was based on the theme of the confluence. Construction of the stage lasted several days and was carried out by various teams from across Europe. Pyrotechnics were heavily used for the entries from {{esccnty|Armenia|y=2008}}, {{esccnty|Azerbaijan|y=2008}}, {{esccnty|Finland|y=2008}}, {{esccnty|Germany|y=2008}}, {{esccnty|Turkey|y=2008}}, the {{esccnty|Czech Republic|y=2008}}, {{esccnty|Bulgaria|y=2008}}, and {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=2008}}. The stage received positive feedback from the media and fans describing it as "one of the best looking stages in the history of the competition".{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}

File:Aleksandar.jpg as part of the opening act of the second semi-final]]

At a press conference in Helsinki in May 2007, Svante Stockselius, executive supervisor of the contest for the EBU, announced that the competition's format may be expanded to two semi-finals in 2008 or 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9024 |title=Two semi finals in 2008 |publisher=ESCToday.com |date=2007-07-31 |access-date=2007-05-14 |archive-date=30 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830074752/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9024 |url-status=live }} On 28 September 2007 it was announced that the EBU had approved the plan of hosting two semi-finals in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9327 |title=Eurovision: 2 semi finals confirmed! |publisher=ESCToday.com |date=2007-07-31 |access-date=2007-07-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011204409/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9327#react |archive-date=2007-10-11 }}

According to Stockselius, there were multiple ideas on how the two semi-finals would be organized, such as prerecording both semi-finals and airing them simultaneously on Thursday 22 May, with each broadcaster airing the semi-final their country competes or votes in; or prerecording one semi-final, while the other one is held live, and airing them simultaneously on Thursday 22 May, with each broadcaster airing the semi-final their country votes in. In both cases, the results sequences would be held live.{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/content/view/894/263/ |title=Executive Supervisor explains revised format |date=2007-10-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106080549/http://www.eurovision.tv/content/view/894/263/ |archive-date=2007-11-06}}

Although originally this option was not being considered due to the additional costs to such a production, it was later decided that the two semi-finals would be held on different days, both live, on Tuesday 20 May and 22 May 2008.{{Cite web |url=https://escbubble.com/2020/07/throwback-to-belgrade-eurovision-2008/ |title=Throwback To Belgrade – Eurovision 2008 |date=2020-07-09 |access-date=2023-07-06 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162622/https://escbubble.com/2020/07/throwback-to-belgrade-eurovision-2008/ |url-status=live }}

File:ESC 2008 Semi-Finals 2.svg

Based on research conducted by the EBU's tele-voting partner Digame, the semi-finalists were sorted into the two heats through the drawing of lots, which was seeded to keep countries that have a significant history of voting for each other apart.{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}} Each broadcaster had to broadcast the semi-final in which they took part, with the broadcasting of the other semi-final being optional. The draw for the semi-final allocation occurred in the City Assembly of Belgrade on Monday 28 January 2008 at 13:00 CET and was conducted by the hosts of the contest Jovana Janković and Željko Joksimović.

First, two envelopes with 'Semi-Final 1' and 'Semi-Final 2' were drawn. Then, three countries from each pot were chosen randomly to take part in the first semi-final and the other three in the second one. The country left in Pot 5 took part in the first envelope that is drawn. While, the country left in Pot 6 in the second one.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news/belgrade-2008?id=416 |title=All you need to know for Monday's draw! |publisher=Eurovision.tv |access-date=2008-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127142041/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news/belgrade-2008?id=416 |archive-date=2008-01-27 }}

The automatic grand finalist countries chose whether they would broadcast both semi-finals or just one, but viewers from these countries could only vote in one. From the draw conducted, it was decided which of the five grand finalist countries would broadcast and have voting rights in either of the events. The semi-finals were webcast live through Eurovision.tv. The top nine songs from the televoting qualified for the grand final, and a tenth was determined by the back-up juries. Twenty-five songs competed in the grand final.{{cite news |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9690 |title=Eurovision 2008 – format confirmed! |publisher=ESCToday.com |access-date=2007-11-24 |archive-date=23 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123121210/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9690 |url-status=live }}

On 24 January 2008, all 38 countries in the semi-finals were separated into the following pots based on voting history and geographical location:

The draw to decide the running order of the songs in each semi-final and the grand final was conducted at the Heads of Delegation meeting on 17 March 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news/belgrade-2008?id=590 |title=Belgrade 2008: The running order! |author=Sietse Bakker |publisher=Eurovision.tv |date=2008-03-17 |access-date=2008-03-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318111354/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news/belgrade-2008?id=590 |archive-date=2008-03-18 }}

The first semi-final was held on 20 May 2008. Germany and Spain voted in this semi-final.

Azerbaijan, Greece and Russia were drawn to decide their own running order positions, while the rest were decided randomly.

;Key

{{Legend|navajowhite|Televoting qualifiers}}

{{Legend|paleturquoise|Back-up jury qualifier|text=‡}}

The second semi-final was held on 22 May 2008. The United Kingdom, France and Serbia voted in this semi-final.

Macedonia, Portugal and Denmark were drawn to decide their own running order positions, while the rest were decided randomly.

;Key

{{Legend|navajowhite|Televoting qualifiers}}

{{Legend|paleturquoise|Back-up jury qualifier|text=‡}}

The grand finalists were:

• the "Big Four" countries ({{Esccnty|France|y=2008}}, {{Esccnty|Germany|y=2008}}, {{Esccnty|Spain|y=2008}}, and the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom|y=2008}});
• the host country ({{Esccnty|Serbia|y=2008}});
• the top nine countries from the first semi-final plus one wildcard from the juries;
• the top nine countries from the second semi-final plus one wildcard from the juries.

The grand final was held on 24 May 2008 and was won by Russia.

Serbia was drawn to decide its own running order position, while the rest were decided randomly.

;Key

{{Legend|Gold|Winner}}

{{more citations needed section|date=February 2020}}

Each participating broadcaster appointed a spokesperson who was responsible for announcing the votes for its respective country. The voting order and spokespersons during the grand final were as follows:{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11990|title=Tonight's voting order|last=Floras|first=Stella|date=2009-11-24|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=29 November 2009|archive-date=20 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020004652/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11990|url-status=live}}

{{Div col}}

1. {{flagu|United Kingdom}}{{snd}}Carrie Grant{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7403021.stm|title=Talking Shop: Carrie Grant|work=BBC News|access-date=2008-05-21|date=2008-05-21|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928161942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7403021.stm|url-status=live}}
2. {{flagu|North Macedonia|name=Macedonia}}{{snd}}Ognen Janeski
3. {{flagu|Ukraine}}{{snd}}Marysya Horobets
4. {{flagu|Germany}}{{snd}}Thomas Hermanns{{cite web|url=http://www.quotenmeter.de/index.php?newsid=27417|title=Schräg und schrill: Das Grand Prix-Fieber kehrt zurück|date=23 May 2008|publisher=quotenmeter.de|access-date=2008-05-23|archive-date=24 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524212556/http://www.quotenmeter.de/index.php?newsid=27417|url-status=live}}
5. {{flagu|Estonia}}{{snd}}Anna Sahlene{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11322 |title=Estonia: Sahlene to be ETV's spokesperson |publisher=esctoday.com |access-date=2008-05-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081018224048/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11322 |archive-date=October 18, 2008 }}
6. {{flagu|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}{{snd}}Melina Garibović{{cite web|url=http://www.dnevniavaz.ba/showbiz/estrada/laka-u-utrci-za-stari-mikrofon|title=Laka u utrci za stari mikrofon|access-date=2008-05-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527222037/http://www.dnevniavaz.ba/showbiz/estrada/laka-u-utrci-za-stari-mikrofon|archive-date=2008-05-27}}
7. {{flagu|Albania}}{{snd}}Leon Menkshi
8. {{flagu|Belgium}}{{snd}}{{ill|Sandrine Van Handenhoven|nl}}{{cite web| title = Belgium: Sandrine to announce Belgian votes| url = http://esctoday.com/news/read/11193| access-date = 2008-04-23| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080426054437/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11193| archive-date = 2008-04-26}}
9. {{flagu|San Marino|1862}}{{snd}}Roberto Moretti
10. {{flagu|Latvia}}{{snd}}Kristīne Virsnīte{{cite web|url=http://www.eirovizija.lv/lat/aktualitates/4513 |title=AKTUALITĀTES > Eirovīzijā triumfē Dima Bilans no Krievijas, Pirāti{{snd}}vienpadsmitie / divpadsmitie |publisher=eirovizija.lv |access-date=2008-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612043901/http://www.eirovizija.lv/lat/aktualitates/4513 |archive-date=2008-06-12 |url-status=dead }}
11. {{flagu|Bulgaria}}{{snd}}Valentina Voykova
12. {{flagu|Serbia|2004}}{{snd}}{{ill|Dušica Spasić|sr|Душица Спасић (водитељка)}}
13. {{flagu|Israel}}{{snd}}Noa Barak-Weshler
14. {{flagu|Cyprus}}{{snd}}Hristina Marouhou
15. {{flagu|Moldova}}{{snd}}Vitalie Rotaru
16. {{flagu|Iceland}}{{snd}}{{ill|Brynja Þorgeirsdóttir|is}}{{cite news |title=Hægt að kjósa þrisvar: Líklegra að sms-atkvæði komist til skila |trans-title=You can vote three times: SMS votes are more likely to be delivered |url=https://timarit.is/page/4190427#page/n0/mode/2up |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Morgunblaðið |date=20 May 2008 |location=Reykjavík, Iceland |language=is |quote=Þad er Brynja Þorgeirsdóttir sem kynnir úrslitin í íslensku símakosningunni, og verður hún númer 16 í þeirri röd í kvöld. |trans-quote=It is Brynja Þorgeirsdóttir who presents the results of the Icelandic telephone vote, and she will be number 16 in that vote tonight. |via=Timarit.is}}
17. {{flagu|France}}{{snd}}Cyril Hanouna
18. {{flagu|Romania}}{{snd}}Alina Sorescu
19. {{flagu|Portugal}}{{snd}}Sabrina
20. {{flagu|Norway}}{{snd}}Stian Barsnes-Simonsen
21. {{flagu|Hungary}}{{snd}}Éva Novodomszky
22. {{flagu|Andorra}}{{snd}}{{ill|Alfred Llahí|ca|Alfred Llahí Segalàs}}
23. {{flagu|Poland}}{{snd}}{{ill|Radek Brzózka|pl}}{{cite web|url=http://eurowizja.org/08_news.php?id=3199 |title=Radek Brzózka przekaże głosy do Belgradu |access-date=2008-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501095356/http://www.eurowizja.org/08_news.php?id=3199 |archive-date=2008-05-01 |url-status=dead }}
24. {{flagu|Slovenia}}{{snd}}Peter Poles{{cite news|url=http://www.rtvslo.si/zabava/modload.php?&c_mod=rnews&op=sections&func=read&c_menu=19&c_id=34339|title=Slovenia: Rebeka danes na poti v Beograd (Rebeka will today go to Belgrade)|publisher=RTVSLO.SI|access-date=2008-05-10|archive-date=22 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922041925/http://www.rtvslo.si/zabava/modload.php?&c_mod=rnews&op=sections&func=read&c_menu=19&c_id=34339|url-status=live}}
25. {{flagu|Armenia}}{{snd}}Hrachuhi Utmazyan
26. {{flagu|Czech Republic}}{{snd}}Petra Šubrtová
27. {{flagu|Spain}}{{snd}}{{ill|Ainhoa Arbizu|es}}{{cite news|url=http://www.vertele.com/noticias/detail.php?id=18845|title=Uribarri vuelve a ser la voz de Eurovisión cuatro años después (Uribarri is the voice of Eurovision again after four years)|publisher=vertele.com|access-date=2008-05-13|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516233209/http://www.vertele.com/noticias/detail.php?id=18845|archive-date=2008-05-16}}
28. {{flagu|Netherlands}}{{snd}}Esther Hart{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/10999|title=Esther Hart, the new Dutch spokeswoman|publisher=esctoday.com|access-date=2008-04-03|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828224730/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/10999|url-status=live}}
29. {{flagu|Turkey}}{{snd}}Meltem Ersan Yazgan{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/magazin/anasayfa/8990473.asp?top=1|title=Ötesi final|date=22 May 2008|publisher=Hürriyet|access-date=2008-05-24|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141112/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/magazin/anasayfa/8990473.asp?top=1|url-status=live}}
30. {{flagu|Malta}}{{snd}}Moira Delia
31. {{flagu|Ireland}}{{snd}}Niamh Kavanagh
32. {{flagu|Switzerland}}{{snd}}{{ill|Cécile Bähler|de}}
33. {{flagu|Azerbaijan}}{{snd}}Leyla Aliyeva{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/?p=11297|title=Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan: Elnur, Samir & Ruslana in Istanbul|publisher="ESCToday.com|last=Floras|first=Stella|date=7 May 2008|access-date=22 June 2012|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828164718/http://www.esctoday.com/?p=11297|url-status=live}}
34. {{flagu|Greece}}{{snd}}{{ill|Alexis Kostalas|el|Αλέξης Κωστάλας}}
35. {{flagu|Finland}}{{snd}}Mikko Leppilampi{{cite web |title=Mikko and Jaana are back! |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=753 | access-date=2008-05-07 |archive-date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823050458/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=753 |url-status=live}}
36. {{flagu|Croatia}}{{snd}}Barbara Kolar
37. {{flagu|Sweden}}{{snd}}Björn Gustafsson
38. {{flagu|Belarus|1995}}{{snd}}Olga Barabanschikova
39. {{flagu|Lithuania}}{{snd}}{{ill|Rolandas Vilkončius|lt}}
40. {{flagu|Russia}}{{snd}}Oxana Fedorova
41. {{flagu|Montenegro}}{{snd}}Nina Radulović
42. {{flagu|Georgia}}{{snd}}Tika Patsatsia{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11120 |title=Georgia: Tika Patsatsia spokesperson for 2008 |publisher=esctoday.com |access-date=2008-04-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420134501/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11120 |archive-date=2008-04-20 }}
43. {{flagu|Denmark}}{{snd}}{{ill|Maria Montell|da}}

{{div col end}}

{{Legend|navajowhite|Televoting qualifiers}}

{{Legend|paleturquoise|Back-up jury qualifier|text=‡}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points in the first semi-final:

{{Legend|navajowhite|Televoting qualifiers}}

{{Legend|paleturquoise|Back-up jury qualifier|text=‡}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points in the second semi-final:

{{Legend|gold|Winner}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points in the grand final:

{{More citations needed section|date=December 2021}}

Most countries sent commentators to Belgrade or commentated from their own country, in order to add insight to the participants and, if necessary, provide voting information.

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

|

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Andorra}}

| RTVA

| ATV

| {{N/A|}}

| {{ill|Meri Picart|ca}} and Josep Lluís Trabal

| {{cite news |last1=Ventura Cardús |first1=Núria |title=Un esclat d'il·lusió |url=https://www.diariandorra.ad/noticies/dmg/recordes_quan/2016/11/13/un_esclat_lusio_108959_1196.html |access-date=23 January 2023 |work=Diari d'Andorra |date=13 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114171100/http://www.diariandorra.ad/noticies/dmg/recordes_quan/2016/11/13/un_esclat_lusio_108959_1196.html |archive-date=14 November 2016 |language=ca |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Europinions |url=http://andorradifusio.ad/emissions/europinions |publisher=Andorra Difusió |access-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419030358/http://andorradifusio.ad/emissions/europinions |archive-date=19 April 2014}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Armenia}}

| AMPTV

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

|

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Azerbaijan}}

| colspan="2" | İTV

| All shows

| {{N/A|}}

| {{cite web |title=İctimai Televiziya və Radio Yayımları Şirkətinin həftəlik proqramı – 19 May–25 May 2008 |url=http://www.itv.az/HEFTELIKPROQRAM/heftelik_proqram.php |publisher=İT |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518025059/http://www.itv.az/HEFTELIKPROQRAM/heftelik_proqram.php |archive-date=18 May 2008 |language=az |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Belarus|1995}}

| BTRC

| Belarus-1, Belarus-TV

| All shows

| Denis Kurian

| {{cite web |title=Первый и "Беларусь-ТВ" покажут все конкурсные шоу 'Евровидения-2008' |url=http://www.tvr.by:80/rus/eurovision2008.asp |publisher=BTRC |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531082339/http://www.tvr.by:80/rus/eurovision2008.asp |archive-date=31 May 2008 |language=ru |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3" | {{Flagu|Belgium}}

| rowspan="2" | VRT

| {{lang|nl|Eén|i=unset}}

| SF1/Final

| rowspan="2" | Bart Peeters and André Vermeulen

| rowspan="2" | {{cite web |title=Het Eurovisiesongfestival 2008 |url=http://www.een.be/extra/subsites/eurosong2008/esc/programma/index.shtml |publisher=VRT |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508202825/http://www.een.be/extra/subsites/eurosong2008/esc/programma/index.shtml |archive-date=8 May 2008 |language=nl |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Commentaar en presentatie |url=http://www.een.be/extra/subsites/eurosong2008/esc/presentatie/index.shtml |publisher=VRT |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509105011/http://www.een.be/extra/subsites/eurosong2008/esc/presentatie/index.shtml |archive-date=9 May 2008 |language=nl |url-status=dead}}

|-

| {{lang|nl|{{ill|Eén+|nl}}|i=unset}}{{efn|Repeat broadcast of semi-final 2 on Eén on 24 May at 10:00 CEST (08:00 UTC)}}

| SF2

|-

| RTBF

| {{lang|fr|La Une|i=unset}}

| SF1/Final

| Jean-Pierre Hautier and {{ill|Jean-Louis Lahaye|fr}}

| {{cite news |last1=Verbist |first1=Audrey |title=Aucune chance Belge à l'Eurovision? |url=https://www.lavenir.net/culture/musique/2008/05/20/aucune-chance-belge-a-leurovision-HEDQGUFEXBAULDQSXY6AQ6R654/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=L'Avenir |date=20 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216145411/https://www.lavenir.net/culture/musique/2008/05/20/aucune-chance-belge-a-leurovision-HEDQGUFEXBAULDQSXY6AQ6R654/ |archive-date=16 February 2023 |language=fr}}{{cite news |title=Televisie buitenland – zaterdag 24 mei 2008 |url=https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-24/edition/null/page/171 |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant |date=24 May 2008 |language=nl |page=61 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216150355/https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-24/edition/null/page/171 |url-status=live }}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}

| BHRT

| BHT 1

| All shows

| Dejan Kukrić

| {{cite web |last1=Horvat |first1=Ivan |title=BHT ugošćuje sudionike Eurosonga; oba polufinala |url=https://eurosong.hr/bhrt-ugoscuje-sudionike-eurosonga-oba-polufinala/ |publisher=eurosong.hr |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107163144/https://eurosong.hr/bhrt-ugoscuje-sudionike-eurosonga-oba-polufinala/ |archive-date=7 January 2023 |language=hr |date=28 March 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Beograd: Takmičenje za Pjesmu Evrovizije 2008. |url=http://www.bhrt.ba/index.php?option=com_ab_calendar&month=05&year=2008&day=20&Itemid=94 |publisher=BHRT |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521040438/http://www.bhrt.ba/index.php?option=com_ab_calendar&month=05&year=2008&day=20&Itemid=94 |archive-date=21 May 2008 |language=bs |date=20 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Bulgaria}}

| BNT

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| Elena Rosberg and Georgi Kushvaliev

| {{cite web |last1=Bozhkov |first1=Bozhidar |title=Догодина на "Евровизия" с рейв |url=https://old.segabg.com/article.php?id=368527 |publisher=Sega |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706005911/https://old.segabg.com/article.php?id=368527 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |language=bg |date=24 May 2008 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Croatia}}

| rowspan="2" | HRT

| HRT 2

| Semi-final

| rowspan="2" | Duško Ćurlić

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news |title=Televizija – utorak 20.5.2008 |url=https://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/pvpages/pvpages/viewPage/?pv_page_id=324649 |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Slobodna Dalmacija |date=20 May 2008 |page=62 |language=hr |location=Split, Croatia |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215174749/https://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/pvpages/pvpages/viewPage/?pv_page_id=324649 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Televizija – četvrtak 22.5.2008 |url=https://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/pvpages/pvpages/viewPage/?pv_page_id=324883 |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Slobodna Dalmacija |date=22 May 2008 |page=54 |language=hr |location=Split, Croatia |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215174727/https://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/pvpages/pvpages/viewPage/?pv_page_id=324883 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Televizija – subota 24.5.2008 |url=https://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/pvpages/pvpages/viewPage/?pv_page_id=325176 |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Slobodna Dalmacija |date=24 May 2008 |page=62 |language=hr |location=Split, Croatia |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215174738/https://arhiv.slobodnadalmacija.hr/pvpages/pvpages/viewPage/?pv_page_id=325176 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}

|-

| HRT 1

| Final

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Cyprus}}

| CyBC

| RIK 1

| All shows

| Melina Karageorgiou

| {{cite web |title=Πρώτος ημιτελικός, ώρα μηδέν! |url=http://www.eurovisionclub.com/articles.asp?id=356 |publisher=EurovisionClub |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521074042/http://www.eurovisionclub.com/articles.asp?id=356 |archive-date=21 May 2008 |language=el |date=20 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Πρώτος ημιτελικός, ώρα μηδέν! |url=http://www.eurovisionclub.com/articles.asp?id=358 |publisher=EurovisionClub |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526181446/http://www.eurovisionclub.com/articles.asp?id=358 |archive-date=26 May 2008 |language=el |date=22 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Czech Republic}}

| rowspan="2" | ČT

| ČT2{{efn|Deferred broadcast of semi-final 1 on 21 May at 01:30 (CEST)}}

| SF1

| rowspan="2" | {{ill|Kateřina Kristelová|cs}}

| rowspan="2" | {{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |url=http://www.ceskatelevize.cz:80/specialy/eurosong2008 |publisher=ČT |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512134156/http://www.ceskatelevize.cz:80/specialy/eurosong2008 |archive-date=12 May 2008 |language=cs |url-status=dead}}

|-

| ČT1

| SF2/Final

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Denmark}}

| DR

| DR1{{efn|Deferred broadcast of semi-final 1 on 21 May at 22:00 (CEST)}}

| All shows

| Nicolai Molbech

| {{cite web |title=Alle tiders programoversigter – Onsdag den 21. maj 2008 |trans-title=All-time programme overviews – Wednesday 21 May 2008 |url=https://www.dr.dk/alletidersprogramoversigter/?date=2008-05-21 |publisher=DR |access-date=18 November 2024}}{{cite web |title=Alle tiders programoversigter – Torsdag den 22. maj 2008 |trans-title=All-time programme overviews – Thursday 22 May 2008 |url=https://www.dr.dk/alletidersprogramoversigter/?date=2008-05-22 |publisher=DR |access-date=18 November 2024}}{{cite web |title=Alle tiders programoversigter – Lørdag den 24. maj 2008 |trans-title=All-time programme overviews – Saturday 24 May 2008 |url=https://www.dr.dk/alletidersprogramoversigter/?date=2008-05-24 |publisher=DR |access-date=18 November 2024}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Estonia}}

| rowspan="2" | ERR

| ETV

| All shows

| Marko Reikop

| {{cite web |title=Eurovisiooni 53. lauluvõistluse 1. poolfinaali ülekanne Belgradist 20. mail 2008 kell 22.00 |url=http://www.etv.ee/index.php?0547456 |publisher=ETV |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517005628/http://www.etv.ee/index.php?0547456 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |language=et |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Eurovisiooni 53. lauluvõistluse 2. poolfinaali ülekanne Belgradist 22. mail 2008 kell 22.00 |url=http://etv.ee/index.php?0547459 |publisher=ETV |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511013525/http://etv.ee/index.php?0547459 |archive-date=11 May 2008 |language=et |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Eurovisiooni 53. lauluvõistluse finaal on eetris laupäeval, 24. mail 2008 kell 22.00. |url=http://etv.ee/index.php?0547461 |publisher=ETV |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511013536/http://etv.ee/index.php?0547461 |archive-date=11 May 2008 |language=et |url-status=dead}}

|-

| {{lang|et|Raadio 2|i=unset}}

| SF1/Final

| Mart Juur and Andrus Kivirähk

| {{cite news |title=Raadiokava |url=https://dea.digar.ee/cgi-bin/dea?a=d&d=koit20080517.1.20&e=-------et-25--1--txt-txIN%7ctxTI%7ctxAU%7ctxTA------------- |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Koit Nädal |date=17 May 2008 |location=Põlva, Estonia |page=12 |language=et |via=DIGAR Eesti artiklid |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418212126/https://dea.digar.ee/cgi-bin/dea?a=d&d=koit20080517.1.20&e=-------et-25--1--txt-txIN%7CtxTI%7CtxAU%7CtxTA------------- |url-status=live }}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="4" | {{Flagu|Finland}}

| rowspan="4" | YLE

| YLE TV2

| rowspan="4" | All shows

| Jaana Pelkonen and {{ill|Mikko Peltola|fi|Mikko Peltola (juontaja)}}

| {{cite news |title=TV2 – 20.5.2008 |url=https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000004570890.html |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=Helsingin Sanomat |date=20 May 2008 |language=fi |archive-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104114720/https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000004570890.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=TV2 – 22.5.2008 |url=https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000004571397.html |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=Helsingin Sanomat |date=22 May 2008 |language=fi |archive-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104114714/https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000004571397.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=TV2 – 24.5.2008 |url=https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000004571954.html |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=Helsingin Sanomat |date=24 May 2008 |language=fi |archive-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104114712/https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000004571954.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}

|-

| YLE FST5

| {{ill|Thomas Lundin (broadcaster)|sv|Thomas Lundin|lt=Thomas Lundin}}

| {{cite news |title=TV-programmet – tisdag 20 maj |trans-title=TV programmes – Tuesday 20 May |url=http://epaper.nyan.ax/earkiv/2008/05-20/full.pdf |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=Nya Åland |location=Mariehamn, Åland |date=20 May 2008 |language=sv |page=17}}{{cite news |title=TV-programmet – torsdag 22 maj |trans-title=TV programmes – Thursday 22 May |url=http://epaper.nyan.ax/earkiv/2008/05-22/full.pdf |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=Nya Åland |location=Mariehamn, Åland |date=22 May 2008 |language=sv |page=25}}{{cite news |title=TV-programmet – lördag 24 maj |trans-title=TV programmes – Saturday 24 May |url=http://epaper.nyan.ax/earkiv/2008/05-24/full.pdf |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=Nya Åland |location=Mariehamn, Åland |date=24 May 2008 |language=sv |page=25}}

|-

| {{lang|fi|YLE Radio Suomi|i=unset}}

| Sanna Kojo and Jorma Hietamäki

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news |title=YLE Radio – 20.5.2008 |url=https://www.hs.fi/radiotelevisio/art-2000004570902.html |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=Helsingin Sanomat |date=20 May 2008 |language=fi |archive-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104114724/https://www.hs.fi/radiotelevisio/art-2000004570902.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=YLE Radio – 22.5.2008 |url=https://www.hs.fi/radiotelevisio/art-2000004571410.html |access-date=4 January 2023 |work=Helsingin Sanomat |date=22 May 2008 |language=fi |archive-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104114717/https://www.hs.fi/radiotelevisio/art-2000004571410.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}

|-

| YLE Radio Vega

| {{N/A|}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|France}}

| rowspan="2" | {{lang|fr|France Télévisions|i=unset}}

| France 4

| SF2

| {{ill|Peggy Olmi|fr}} and Yann Renoard

| {{cite web |title=1/2 finale Eurovision |url=http://www.france4.fr/prog.php?id_prog=7481 |publisher=France 4 |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028184637/http://www.france4.fr/prog.php?id_prog=7481 |archive-date=28 October 2008 |language=fr |url-status=dead}}

|-

| France 3

| Final

| Jean Paul Gaultier and Julien Lepers

| {{cite web |title=Eurovision 2008 |url=http://programmes.france3.fr/eurovision/index.php?page=article&numsite=65&id_article=101&id_rubrique=83 |publisher=France 3 |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527210054/http://programmes.france3.fr/eurovision/index.php?page=article&numsite=65&id_article=101&id_rubrique=83 |archive-date=27 May 2008 |language=fr |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Georgia}}

| GPB

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

|

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Germany}}

| rowspan="2" | ARD

| {{lang|de|NDR Fernsehen|i=unset}}{{efn|Deferred broadcast of the second semi-final on 23 May at 00:45 CEST (22 May 22:45 UTC)}}

| Semi-finals

| rowspan="2" | Peter Urban

| rowspan="2" | {{cite web |title=Der ESC 2008 im Fernsehen |url=http://eurovision.ndr.de/hintergruende/tvtermine2.html |publisher=NDR |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503003941/http://eurovision.ndr.de/hintergruende/tvtermine2.html |archive-date=3 May 2008 |language=de |url-status=dead}}

|-

| {{lang|de|Das Erste|i=unset}}

| Final

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{flagu|Greece}}

| rowspan="2" | ERT

| NET

| All shows

| Betty and Mathildi Maggira

| {{cite web |title=Eurovision 2020: Giorgos Kapoutzidis -María Kozakou ston scholiasmo tou diagonismou gia tin ERT |script-title=el:Eurovision 2020: Γιώργος Καπουτζίδης -Μαρία Κοζάκου στον σχολιασμό του διαγωνισμού για την ΕΡΤ |url=https://www.matrix24.gr/2020/02/eurovision-2020-giorgos-kapoutzidis-maria-kozakou-ston-scholiasmo-tou-diagonismou-gia-tin-ert/ |publisher=Matrix24 |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214170219/http://www.matrix24.gr/2020/02/eurovision-2020-giorgos-kapoutzidis-maria-kozakou-ston-scholiasmo-tou-diagonismou-gia-tin-ert/ |archive-date=14 February 2020 |language=el |date=12 February 2020 |url-status=live}}

|-

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| Maria Kozakou

| {{cite news |last1=Hatzinopoulos |first1=Gabriel |title=Καπουτζίδης- Κοζάκου επιστρέφουν στον σχολιασμό της Eurovision |work=Thestival |url=https://www.thestival.gr/eidiseis/vouleutikes-ekloges/436020-kapoutzidis-kozakoy-epistrefoyn-ston-sxoliasmo-tis-eurovision/ |publisher=Thestival |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221161711/https://www.thestival.gr/eidiseis/vouleutikes-ekloges/436020-kapoutzidis-kozakoy-epistrefoyn-ston-sxoliasmo-tis-eurovision/ |archive-date=21 February 2023 |language=el |date=15 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Hungary}}

| MTV

| m1

| SF2/Final

| {{ill|Gábor Gundel Takács|hu|Gundel Takács Gábor}}

| {{cite web |last1=Klész |first1=Imre |title=Az idei verseny az MTV-n: az 1. elődöntőről csak összefoglaló lesz |url=http://eschungary.hu/news/2008/belgrad2008_mtv_musor.html |publisher=ESC Hungary |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510094342/http://eschungary.hu/news/2008/belgrad2008_mtv_musor.html |archive-date=10 May 2008 |language=hu |date=6 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Csézynek drukkol Szulák és Somló |url=http://eurovision.mtv.hu/?cont=news&id=22 |publisher=MTV |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804012813/http://eurovision.mtv.hu/?cont=news&id=22 |archive-date=4 August 2008 |language=hu |date=22 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Nincs magyar döntős a szombati dalversenyben |url=http://eurovision.mtv.hu/?cont=news&id=23 |publisher=MTV |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629184023/http://eurovision.mtv.hu/?cont=news&id=23 |archive-date=29 June 2008 |language=hu |date=23 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Iceland}}

| RÚV

| {{lang|is|Sjónvarpið|i=unset}}

| All shows

| Sigmar Guðmundsson

| {{cite news |title=Eurovision 2008 – Röð keppenda |trans-title=Eurovision 2008 – List of contestants |url=https://timarit.is/page/4190427#page/n0/mode/2up |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Morgunblaðið |date=20 May 2008 |location=Reykjavík, Iceland |language=is |via=Timarit.is}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3" | {{Flagu|Ireland}}

| rowspan="3" | RTÉ

| RTÉ Two

| Semi-finals

| rowspan="2" | Marty Whelan

| rowspan="3" | {{cite press release |author= |title=Eurovision Song Contest Semi-finals |url=https://presspack.rte.ie/2008/05/20/eurovision-song-contest-semi-finals/ |publisher=RTÉ |date=20 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216132224/https://presspack.rte.ie/2008/05/20/eurovision-song-contest-semi-finals/ |archive-date=16 February 2023 |access-date=16 February 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Gavin |title=Ireland: Eurovision week schedule of events on RTÉ |url=https://esctoday.com/11483/ireland_eurovision_week_schedule_of_events_on_rt/ |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205054539/https://esctoday.com/11483/ireland_eurovision_week_schedule_of_events_on_rt/ |archive-date=5 December 2021 |date=17 May 2008 |url-status=live}}

|-

| RTÉ One

| Final

|-

| RTÉ Radio 1

| SF1/Final

| Larry Gogan

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Israel}}

| IBA

| {{N/A|}}

| All shows

| {{N/A|}}

| {{cite web |last1=Barak |first1=Itamar |title=OGAE Israel: 12 points to Sweden! |url=https://esctoday.com/11287/ogae_israel_12_points_to_sweden/ |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222172359/https://esctoday.com/11287/ogae_israel_12_points_to_sweden/ |archive-date=22 February 2023 |date=7 May 2008 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Latvia}}

| LTV

| {{N/A|}}

| All shows

| {{ill|Kārlis Streips|lv}}

| {{cite web |title=LTV preses konference: "Pirates of the Sea" dodas uz Belgradu un laiž klajā singlu! |url=http://www.eirovizija.lv/lat/medijiem/4413/ |publisher=LTV |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514185830/http://www.eirovizija.lv/lat/medijiem/4413/ |archive-date=14 May 2008 |language=lv |date=13 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last1=Griškeviča |first1=Una |title=Pirāti šovakar cīnīsies par iekļūšanu finālā |url=https://www.diena.lv/raksts/kd/muzika/pirati-sovakar-cinisies-par-ieklusanu-finala-606085 |publisher=Diena |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217130206/https://www.diena.lv/raksts/kd/muzika/pirati-sovakar-cinisies-par-ieklusanu-finala-606085 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |date=22 May 2008 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Lithuania}}

| LRT

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

|

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Macedonia}}

| MRT

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

|

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Malta}}

| PBS

| TVM

| All shows

| {{N/A|}}

| {{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Cole |title=Malta: PBS to broadcast both Semi finals |url=https://esctoday.com/11327/malta_pbs_to_broadcast_both_semi_finals/ |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222172225/https://esctoday.com/11327/malta_pbs_to_broadcast_both_semi_finals/ |archive-date=22 February 2023 |date=10 May 2008 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Moldova}}

| TRM

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

| {{N/A|}}

|

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3" | {{flagu|Montenegro}}

| rowspan="3" | RTCG

| TVCG 2

| Semi-finals

| rowspan="3" | Dražen Bauković and Tamara Ivanković

| {{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/me/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-20&kanal=tvcg2|title=Utorak, 20. maj 2008.|trans-title=Tuesday, 20 May 2008|publisher=TVCG 2|access-date=2023-06-27|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624175700/https://tvprofil.com/me/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-20&kanal=tvcg2|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}{{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/me/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-22&kanal=tvcg2|title=Četvrtak. 22 maj 2008.|trans-title=Thursday, 22 May 2008|publisher=TVCG 2|access-date=2023-06-27|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624175700/https://tvprofil.com/me/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-22&kanal=tvcg2|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}

|-

| TVCG 1

| Final

| {{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/me/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-24&kanal=tvcg1|title=Subota, 24. maj 2008.|trans-title=Saturday, 24 May 2008|publisher=TVCG 1|access-date=2023-06-27|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624175700/https://tvprofil.com/me/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-24&kanal=tvcg1|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}

|-

| TVCG MNE

| All shows

| {{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-20&kanal=tvcg-sat|title=Utorak, 20. maj 2008.|trans-title=Tuesday, 20 May 2008|publisher=TVCG MNE|access-date=2023-06-20|archive-date=4 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104145148/https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-20&kanal=tvcg-sat|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}{{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-22&kanal=tvcg-sat|title=Četvrtak, 22. maj 2008.|trans-title=Thursday, 22 May 2008|publisher=TVCG MNE|access-date=2023-06-20|archive-date=4 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104145148/https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-22&kanal=tvcg-sat|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}{{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-24&kanal=tvcg-sat|title=Subota, 24. maj 2008.|trans-title=Saturday, 24 May 2008|publisher=TVCG MNE|access-date=2023-06-20|archive-date=4 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104145148/https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-24&kanal=tvcg-sat|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Netherlands}}

| NPO

| {{lang|nl|Nederland 1|i=unset}}

| All shows

| Cornald Maas

| {{cite news |last=Breure |first=Bernice |title='Songfestival meer kermis dan ooit' |url=https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-17/edition/null/page/170 |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant |date=17 May 2008 |language=nl |page=50 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216150349/https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-17/edition/null/page/170 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Televisie – dinsdag 20 mei 2008 |url=https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-20/edition/null/page/40 |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant |date=20 May 2008 |language=nl |page=38 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216150346/https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-20/edition/null/page/40 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Televisie – donderdag 22 mei 2008 |url=https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-22/edition/null/page/48 |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant |date=22 May 2008 |language=nl |page=46 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216150344/https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-22/edition/null/page/48 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Televisie – donderdag 24 mei 2008 |url=https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-24/edition/null/page/170 |access-date=16 February 2023 |work=Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant |date=24 May 2008 |language=nl |page=60 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216150352/https://krantenbankzeeland.nl/issue/pzc/2008-05-24/edition/null/page/170 |url-status=live }}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Norway}}

| rowspan="2" | NRK

| NRK1

| SF1/Final

| rowspan="2" | {{ill|Hanne Hoftun|no}}

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news |title=På TV – lørdag 24. mai |url=https://www.nb.no/items/d3e065baa3810b595760c0ee980082fb?page=59 |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Rogalands Avis |date=24 May 2008 |language=no |location=Stavanger, Norway |pages=60–61 |via=National Library of Norway |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418212122/https://www.nb.no/items/d3e065baa3810b595760c0ee980082fb?page=59 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=På TV – tirsdag 20. mai |url=https://www.nb.no/items/dcc04f42c07543734b4b70ebaaa6e191?page=45 |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Rogalands Avis |date=20 May 2008 |language=no |location=Stavanger, Norway |pages=46–47 |via=National Library of Norway |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418213637/https://www.nb.no/items/dcc04f42c07543734b4b70ebaaa6e191?page=45 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Radio & TV – torsdag 22. mai 2008 |url=https://www.nb.no/items/f5a3c982535c5ecaa1d51040b7ace95d?page=49 |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Dagsavisen |date=22 May 2008 |language=no |location=Oslo, Norway |pages=48–50 |via=National Library of Norway |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418213633/https://www.nb.no/items/f5a3c982535c5ecaa1d51040b7ace95d?page=49 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Evensen |first1=Geir |title=Hanne Hoftun blir MGP-kommentator |url=https://www.nrk.no/mgp/hanne-hoftun-blir-mgp-kommentator-1.5331909 |publisher=NRK |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120132059/http://www.nrk.no/mgp/hanne-hoftun-blir-mgp-kommentator-1.5331909 |archive-date=20 January 2016 |date=8 April 2008 |language=no |url-status=live}}

|-

| NRK3

| SF2

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Poland}}

| TVP

| TVP1, TVP Polonia

| SF1/Final

| Artur Orzech

| {{cite web |title=Eurowizja 2008: nie będzie drugiego półfinału w TVP |url=https://kultura.onet.pl/muzyka/wiadomosci/eurowizja-2008-nie-bedzie-drugiego-polfinalu-w-tvp/xxhltjd |publisher=Onet Kultura |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221160226/https://kultura.onet.pl/muzyka/wiadomosci/eurowizja-2008-nie-bedzie-drugiego-polfinalu-w-tvp/xxhltjd |archive-date=21 February 2023 |language=pl |date=10 April 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Sulisz |first1=Janusz |title=Konkurs Piosenki Eurowizji w TVP1 z DD5.1 |url=https://satkurier.pl/news/41149/konkurs-piosenki-eurowizji-w-tvp1-z-dd51.html |publisher=SAT Kurier |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527061538/http://satkurier.pl/news/41149/konkurs-piosenki-eurowizji-w-tvp1-z-dd51.html |archive-date=27 May 2008 |language=pl |date=20 May 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Finał Eurowizji z większą widownią niż rok temu |url=https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/final-eurowizji-z-wieksza-widownia-niz-rok-temu |publisher=TVP |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910191053/http://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/final-eurowizji-z-wieksza-widownia-niz-rok-temu |archive-date=10 September 2011 |language=pl |date=27 May 2008 |url-status=live |via=Wirtualne Media}}{{cite web |last1=Erling |first1=Barbara |title=Artur Orzech zapowiada, że skomentuje Eurowizję, ale tym razem na Instagramie |url=https://www.press.pl/tresc/70768,artur-orzech-zapowiada_-ze-skomentuje-eurowizje_-ale-tym-razem-na-instagramie |publisher=Press |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514171828/https://www.press.pl/tresc/70768,artur-orzech-zapowiada_-ze-skomentuje-eurowizje_-ale-tym-razem-na-instagramie |archive-date=14 May 2022 |language=pl |date=12 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Portugal}}

| RTP

| RTP1{{efn|Deferred broadcast of the first semi-final at 23:00 CEST (21:00 UTC)}}

| All shows

| {{ill|Isabel Angelino|pt}}

| {{cite web |last1=Costa |first1=Nelson |title=RTP to broadcast both Eurovision semi-finals |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3154 |publisher=Oikotimes |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314010923/http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3154 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |date=24 April 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last1=Costa |first1=Nelson |title=Commentator revealed by RTP; updated news |url=http://oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=2968 |publisher=Oikotimes |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211041751/http://oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=2968 |archive-date=11 February 2010 |date=1 April 2008 |url-status=dead}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Romania}}

| TVR

| TVR 1, TVRi

| All shows

| Leonard Miron

| {{cite web |title=Tristeţe şi bucurie pentru români la Eurovision |url=http://www2.tvr.ro:80/eurovision/ |publisher=TVR |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616080452/http://www2.tvr.ro:80/eurovision/ |archive-date=16 June 2008 |language=ro |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Ologeanu |first=Cristina |url=https://www.libertatea.ro/monden/vedete-de-la-noi/leonard-miron-iubeste-de-10-ani-acelasi-barbat-852511 |title=Leonard Miron iubeşte de 10 ani acelaşi bărbat|trans-title=Leonard Miron has loved the same man for 10 years |newspaper=Libertatea |language=ro |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=20 February 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415230932/https://www.libertatea.ro/monden/vedete-de-la-noi/leonard-miron-iubeste-de-10-ani-acelasi-barbat-852511 |archive-date=15 April 2018}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Russia}}

| RTR

| Telekanal Rossiya, {{lang|ru-latn|RTR Planeta|i=unset}}

| All shows

| Dmitry Guberniev and {{ill|Olga Shelest|ru|Шелест, Ольга Владимировна}}

| {{cite web |title='Евровидение-2008'. Международный конкурс исполнителей |url=http://www.rutv.ru/tvpreg.html?id=119388&d=0 |publisher=Russia-1 |access-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517102353/http://www.rutv.ru/tvpreg.html?id=119388&d=0 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |language=ru |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=Vene kavad |url=https://dea.digar.ee/cgi-bin/dea?a=d&d=koit20080517.1.19&e=-------et-25--1--txt-txIN%7ctxTI%7ctxAU%7ctxTA------------- |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=Koit Nädal |date=17 May 2008 |location=Põlva, Estonia |page=11 |language=et |via=DIGAR Eesti artiklid |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418212127/https://dea.digar.ee/cgi-bin/dea?a=d&d=koit20080517.1.19&e=-------et-25--1--txt-txIN%7CtxTI%7CtxAU%7CtxTA------------- |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Всероссийская пруха |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/896918 |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=Kommersant |date=28 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725185905/http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/896918 |archive-date=25 July 2014 |language=ru |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|San Marino|1862}}

| rowspan="2" | SMRTV

| SMRTV

| rowspan="2" | All shows

| Gigi Restivo and Lia Fiorio

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news|url=https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2013/03/27/sm-tv-san-marino-confermati-i-conduttori-per-leurovision-2013/|title=SM TV San Marino: confermati i conduttori per l'Eurovision 2013|author=|date=28 March 2013|publisher=Eurofestival News|language=it|access-date=24 January 2021|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204171302/https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2013/03/27/sm-tv-san-marino-confermati-i-conduttori-per-leurovision-2013/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/eurovision-song-contest-2008/|title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008|date=12 September 2016 |access-date=24 January 2021|publisher=Eurofestival News|language=it|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814220958/https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/eurovision-song-contest-2008/|url-status=live}}

|-

| {{ill|Radio San Marino|it}}

| Emilia Romagna

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Serbia|2004}}

| RTS

| RTS1, RTS Sat

| All shows

| Dragan Ilić and Mladen Popović{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

| {{cite web |title=Одржано прво полуфинале |url=https://www.rts.rs/page/rts/ci/Pesma+Evrovizije/eurosong2008/story/48/vesti/687/odrzano-prvo-polufinale.html |publisher=RTS |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220163527/https://www.rts.rs/page/rts/ci/Pesma%2BEvrovizije/eurosong2008/story/48/vesti/687/odrzano-prvo-polufinale.html |archive-date=20 February 2023 |language=sr |date=20 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Песма Евровизије 2008 – Финале |url=https://www.rts.rs/page/rts/ci/Pesma+Evrovizije/eurosong2008/story/48/vesti/693/pesma-evrovizije-2008--finale.html |publisher=RTS |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220163527/https://www.rts.rs/page/rts/ci/Pesma%2BEvrovizije/eurosong2008/story/48/vesti/693/pesma-evrovizije-2008--finale.html |archive-date=20 February 2023 |language=sr |date=24 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-24&kanal=rts-sat|title=Subota, 24. maj 2008.|trans-title=Saturday, 24 May 2008|publisher=RTS Sat|access-date=2023-06-20|archive-date=4 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104145148/https://tvprofil.com/ba/tvprogram/#!datum=2008-5-24&kanal=rts-sat|url-status=live |url-access=registration}}[https://www.evropesma.org/2014/12/preminuo-mladen-popovic/ Preminuo Mladen Popović]

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3" | {{Flagu|Slovenia}}

| rowspan="3" | RTVSLO

| {{ill|TV SLO 2|sl|lt=SLO 2}}

| Semi-finals

| rowspan="2" | {{ill|Andrej Hofer|sl|Andrej Hofer (televizijski voditelj)}}

| rowspan="3" | {{cite news |last1=Brun |first1=Alenka |title=Rebeka že v Beogradu |url=https://arhiv.gorenjskiglas.si/article/20080513/C/305139958/rebeka-ze-v-beogradu |access-date=15 February 2023 |work=arhiv.gorenjskiglas.si |date=13 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215172152/https://arhiv.gorenjskiglas.si/article/20080513/C/305139958/rebeka-ze-v-beogradu |archive-date=15 February 2023 |language=sl |url-status=live}}

|-

| {{ill|TV SLO 1|sl|lt=SLO 1}}

| Final

|-

| Val 202

| All shows

| Aida Kurtović

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Spain}}

| rowspan="2" | RTVE

| {{lang|es|La 2|i=unset}}

| SF1

| rowspan="2" | José Luis Uribarri

| rowspan="2" | {{cite AV media | date = 20 May 2008 | title = Semifinal Festival Eurovisión 2008 | type = Television programme | language = en, es | url = https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/eurovision/festival-eurovision-2008/86977/ | access-date = 17 February 2023 | publisher = RTVE | archive-date = 17 February 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230217110100/https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/eurovision/festival-eurovision-2008/86977/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web |title=Guía para no perderse nada de Eurovisión |url=http://www.eurovision2008.rtve.es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=224&Itemid=41 |publisher=RTVE |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526085427/http://www.eurovision2008.rtve.es/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=224&Itemid=41 |archive-date=26 May 2008 |language=es |date=24 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Uribarri vuelve a ser la voz de Eurovisión cuatro años después |url=https://vertele.eldiario.es/videos/actualidad/uribarri-vuelve-eurovision-anos-despues_1_7776347.html |publisher=verTele! |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217102414/https://vertele.eldiario.es/videos/actualidad/uribarri-vuelve-eurovision-anos-despues_1_7776347.html |archive-date=17 February 2023 |language=es |date=24 May 2008 |url-status=live}}

|-

| {{lang|es|La 1|i=unset}}

| Final

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3" | {{Flagu|Sweden}}

| rowspan="2" | SVT

| rowspan="2" | SVT1

| All shows

| Kristian Luuk and {{ill|Josef Sterzenbach|sv}}

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news |title=Christer Björkman om nygamla rollen: En dröm |url=https://www.gp.se/kultur/kultur-n%C3%B6je/christer-bj%C3%B6rkman-om-nygamla-rollen-en-dr%C3%B6m-1.47386925 |access-date=14 February 2023 |work=Göteborgs-Posten |date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516122128/https://www.gp.se/kultur/kultur-n%C3%B6je/christer-bj%C3%B6rkman-om-nygamla-rollen-en-dr%C3%B6m-1.47386925 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |language=sv |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Bergfeldt |first1=Carina |title=Björns comeback |url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/KvrlR6/bjorn-gor-comeback |access-date=14 February 2023 |work=Aftonbladet |date=23 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213135316/https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/KvrlR6/bjorn-gor-comeback |archive-date=13 December 2018 |language=sv |url-status=live}}

|-

| Final

| Carl Bildt

|-

| SR

| SR P4

| SF2/Final

| Carolina Norén

| {{cite news |title=TV&Radio |work=Svenska Dagbladet |date=22 May 2002 |location=Stockholm, Sweden |page=25 |language=sv}}{{cite news |title=TV&Radio |work=Svenska Dagbladet |date=24 May 2002 |location=Stockholm, Sweden |page=37 |language=sv}}{{cite web |title=Swedes stay at home with Eurovision fever |url=https://www.thelocal.se/20090516/19492/ |publisher=The Local Sweden |access-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103063059/http://www.thelocal.se/20090516/19492 |archive-date=3 November 2013 |date=16 May 2009 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="5" | {{Flagu|Switzerland}}

| rowspan="5" | SRG SSR

| {{lang|de|SF zwei|i=unset}}

| SF2/Final

| rowspan="2" | Sven Epiney

| rowspan="2" | {{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008 - Internationaler Halbfinal aus Belgrad / Serbien |url=http://tvprogramm.sf.tv/detail.php?overlay&slotid=ccb8e50f-4818-4ac6-8bfa-282fbfe9f228 |publisher=SF |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529035853/http://tvprogramm.sf.tv/detail.php?overlay&slotid=ccb8e50f-4818-4ac6-8bfa-282fbfe9f228 |archive-date=29 May 2008 |language=de |date=22 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |url=http://www.sf.tv:80/sfzwei/eurovision/index.php |publisher=SF |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523190301/http://www.sf.tv:80/sfzwei/eurovision/index.php |archive-date=23 May 2008 |language=de |url-status=dead}}

|-

| {{lang|fr|HD suisse|i=unset}}

| Final

|-

| TSR 2

| SF2/Final

| Jean-Marc Richard and Nicolas Tanner

| {{cite news |title=Jeudi 22 mai |url=https://www.scriptorium.ch/zoom/323247/view?page=33&p=verso&tool=info&view=0,0,5170,3623 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=TV8 |date=15 May 2008 |location=Zofingen, Switzerland |pages=64–70 |language=fr |via=Scriptorium}}{{cite news |title=Samedi 24 mai |url=https://www.scriptorium.ch/zoom/323226/view?page=13&p=verso |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=TV8 |date=22 May 2008 |location=Zofingen, Switzerland |pages=24–30 |language=fr |via=Scriptorium}}

|-

| TSI 2

| SF2

| rowspan="2" | {{ill|Sandy Altermatt|it}}

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news |title=Télévision / jeudi 22 mai 2008 |url=https://www.e-newspaperarchives.ch/?a=d&d=IMP20080522-01 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=L'Impartial |date=22 May 2008 |location=La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland |page=38 |language=fr |via=e-newspaperarchives.ch |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524160640/https://www.e-newspaperarchives.ch/?a=d&d=IMP20080522-01 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Télévision / samedi 24 mai 2008 |url=https://www.e-newspaperarchives.ch/?a=d&d=IMP20080524-01 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=L'Impartial |date=24 May 2008 |location=La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland |page=38 |language=fr |via=e-newspaperarchives.ch |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524160547/https://www.e-newspaperarchives.ch/?a=d&d=IMP20080524-01 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |url=http://www2.rtsi.ch/eurovision/ |publisher=RTSI |access-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216073206/http://www2.rtsi.ch/eurovision/ |archive-date=16 February 2009 |language=it |url-status=dead}}

|-

| TSI 1

| Final

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2" | {{Flagu|Turkey}}

| rowspan="2" | TRT

| TRT 1, TRT Int

| All shows

| {{N/A|}}

| rowspan="2" | {{cite web |title=Tanıtım Programı 18 Mayıs'ta |url=http://www.trt.net.tr/eurovision2008/hdevam.aspx?haberid=570 |publisher=TRT |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517124253/http://www.trt.net.tr/eurovision2008/hdevam.aspx?haberid=570 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |language=tr |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Eurovision 2008 Şarkı Yarışması Finali |url=http://www.trt.net.tr/wwwtrt/progdetay.aspx?tanitimid=6100&tur=TV |publisher=TRT |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525184059/http://www.trt.net.tr/wwwtrt/progdetay.aspx?tanitimid=6100&tur=TV |archive-date=25 May 2008 |language=tr |url-status=dead}}

|-

| TRT Türk

| Final

| Bülend Özveren

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|Ukraine}}

| NTU

| {{lang|uk|Pershyi Natsionalnyi|i=unset}}

| All shows

| Timur Miroshnychenko

| {{cite web |title="Євробачення": голосуй правильно! |url=http://www.ntu.com.ua/euro/eurovision/euronews/08/05/17/16/30.html |publisher=NTU |access-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201164344/http://www.ntu.com.ua/euro/eurovision/euronews/08/05/17/16/30.html |archive-date=1 December 2008 |language=uk |date=17 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Zhuk |first1=Olga |title=Білан уже в фіналі. Чекає на Ані Лорак |url=https://www.umoloda.kiev.ua/number/1167/164/41558/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=Ukrayina Moloda |date=22 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525233006/http://www.umoloda.kiev.ua/number/1167/164/41558/ |archive-date=25 May 2008 |language=uk |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3" | {{Flagu|United Kingdom}}

| rowspan="3" | BBC

| BBC Three

| Semi-finals

| Paddy O'Connell and Caroline Flack

| rowspan="3" | {{cite press release |date=2 May 2008 |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008 – BBC coverage |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/05_may/02/eurovision_coverage.shtml |publisher=BBC |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518114901/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/05_may/02/eurovision_coverage.shtml |archive-date=18 May 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008 – BBC HD |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/dc05fb9994b940f49b11ed16f7736c18 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=Radio Times |date=24 May 2008 |via=BBC Genome Project |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209142525/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/dc05fb9994b940f49b11ed16f7736c18 |url-status=live }}

|-

| BBC One, BBC HD

| rowspan="2" | Final

| Terry Wogan

|-

| BBC Radio 2

| Ken Bruce

|}

| {{cite web |last1=Granger |first1=Anthony |title=GBC Explains Eurovision Broadcasts From 2006 to 2008 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/05/09/gibraltar-gbc-explains-eurovision-broadcasts-from-2006-to-2008/ |publisher=Eurovoix |access-date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125170033/https://eurovoix.com/2019/05/09/gibraltar-gbc-explains-eurovision-broadcasts-from-2006-to-2008/ |archive-date=25 November 2020 |date=9 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

|-

! scope="row" | {{Flagu|New Zealand}}

| Triangle Television

| Triangle Stratos{{efn|A compilation of the two semi-finals and the full final were shown in New Zealand ahead of the {{escyr|2009||2009 contest}}, with the two programmes broadcast on 3 May 2009 and 10 May 2009 respectively at 19:30 NZST (07:30 UTC)}}

| All shows

| {{N/A|}}

| {{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Gavin |title=Australia & New Zealand: Full Eurovision schedule |url=https://esctoday.com/13800/australia__new_zealand_full_eurovision_schedule/ |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929113950/http://esctoday.com/13800/australia__new_zealand_full_eurovision_schedule/ |archive-date=29 September 2017 |date=26 April 2009 |url-status=live}}

|}

RTS broadcast the event in 1080i high-definition (HD) and 5.1 surround sound. The new high-definition television system was in place at the Belgrade Arena by April 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtsmondo.com/services/tv/tvStory.php?vest=77080 |title=Tijanić: Sa RTS-a proterane španske serije |publisher=MTS Mondo |access-date=2008-05-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325080440/http://mtsmondo.com/services/tv/tvStory.php?vest=77080 |archive-date=2008-03-25 }} This is the second year that the event was broadcast live in HD. BBC HD broadcast the contest in High Definition in the United Kingdom. Swedish broadcaster SVT broadcast both the semi-final and the grand final on SVT HD.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} Lithuanian broadcaster LRT broadcast both the semi-final and the grand final in 1080i high-definition (HD) on their channel LTV.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} The same occurred on Swiss HD channel HD suisse; on this channel viewers were able to choose the language of the commentary while viewing a semi-final or grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} However, all other countries broadcast the show only in standard definition, and the event will only be available to buy on a standard-definition DVD; it will not be released on HD-DVD or Blu-ray.

• {{flagu|Australia}} – Although Australia was not eligible to enter, the contest was broadcast on SBS. The first semi-final was broadcast on Friday 23 May at 19:30 local time, with the second semi-final on Saturday 24 May 2008 at 19:30 local time, and the Final on Sunday 25 May 2008 at 19:30 local time,{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2008/04/eurovision-one-month-and-counting.html |title=Australia: SBS to air both Eurovision semi finals |publisher=TVtonight.com.au |date=2008-04-26 |access-date=2008-04-26 |archive-date=1 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501083555/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2008/04/eurovision-one-month-and-counting.html |url-status=live }} amongst a weekend of Eurovision-themed programming.{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Simone |title=Eurovision 2008 |work=The Vine |publisher=Fairfax Digital |date=2008-05-23 |url=http://www.thevine.com.au/entertainment/photos/eurovision-2008.aspx |access-date=2008-05-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812073539/http://www.thevine.com.au/entertainment/photos/eurovision-2008.aspx |archive-date=2008-08-12 }} SBS local host Julia Zemiro provided introductory and concluding segments with SBS otherwise broadcasting the BBC's coverage and commentary.{{cite news |last=Nicholson |first=Sarah |title=Top of the Euro pops |work=Courier Mail |publisher=news.com.au |date=2008-05-21 |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23729009-5003422,00.html |access-date=2008-05-26 |archive-date=29 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529065901/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23729009-5003422,00.html |url-status=dead }} In recent years the contest has been one of SBS's highest-rating programmes in terms of viewer numbers. The grand final rated well for SBS with 427,000 viewers tuning in for the grand final with 421,000 for the second semi-final and 272,000 for the first semi-final.{{cite web |url=http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare/archives/2008/05/ |title=The Who We Are update: week 24 |publisher=smh.com.au |date=2008-05-26 |access-date=2008-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712215904/http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare/archives/2008/05/ |archive-date=2011-07-12 |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagu|Austria}} – In Austria, ORF broadcast the contest live and received high TV ratings. However, it did not broadcast the semi-finals on 20 and 22 May.
• {{flagu|Gibraltar}} – Gibraltar screened only the final on GBC.
• {{flagu|Italy}} – No Italian broadcaster proper showed the contest, but San Marinese SMRTV, which broadcast live the full event on both TV and radio, is available in some parts of Italy: Romagna (and a small part of Emilia, including Bologna), northern Marche, and southern Veneto, including Venice.

A live broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest was available worldwide via satellite through European streams such as TVRi, ERT World, ARMTV, TVE Internacional, TRT International, TVP Polonia, RTP Internacional, RTS Sat and SVT Europa.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} The official Eurovision Song Contest website also provided a live stream without commentary via the peer-to-peer medium Octoshape.

In addition to the main winner's trophy, the Marcel Bezençon Awards and the Barbara Dex Award were contested during the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. The OGAE, "General Organisation of Eurovision Fans" voting poll also took place before the contest.

The Marcel Bezençon Awards, organised since 2002 by Sweden's then-Head of Delegation and 1992 representative Christer Björkman, and 1984 winner Richard Herrey, honours songs in the contest's final.{{cite web|url=http://poplight.zitiz.se/marcelbezenconaward/en |title=Marcel Bezençon Award – an introduction |publisher=Poplight |access-date=2009-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017033001/http://poplight.zitiz.se/marcelbezenconaward/en |archive-date=2013-10-17 }} For the only time, the awards were divided into four categories: Artistic Award which was voted by previous winners of the contest, Composers Award, Poplight Fan Award which was voted by fans on the Swedish website poplight.se, and Press Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/10840|title=Marcel Bezençon Award for fans|last=Viniker|first=Barry|date=2008-03-11|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=2009-06-02|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527062451/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/10840|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Marcel Bezençon Awards–Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/marcel-bezencon-awards/ |website=eurovision.tv |date=2 April 2017 |access-date=19 March 2021 |archive-date=16 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716092347/https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/marcel-bezencon-awards/ |url-status=live }}

OGAE, an organisation of over forty Eurovision Song Contest fan clubs across Europe and beyond, conducts an annual voting poll first held in 2002 as the Marcel Bezençon Fan Award. After all votes were cast, the top-ranked entry in the 2008 poll was Sweden's "Hero" performed by Charlotte Perrelli; the top five results are shown below.{{cite web|title=Eurovision Fanclub Network|url=http://www.ogae.net/|publisher=OGAE|access-date=15 June 2012|archive-date=19 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419213155/http://www.ogae.net/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.euroviisuklubi.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=8&Itemid=41|title=Klubi-info: Mikä ihmeen OGAE?|publisher=OGAE Finland|access-date=17 June 2012|date=5 June 2012|language=fi|trans-title=The club info: What on Earth is OGAE?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127121744/http://www.euroviisuklubi.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=8&Itemid=41|archive-date=27 January 2012|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11783|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080924192446/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/11783|archive-date = 24 September 2008|title = Eurovision Song Contest 2022 news by esctoday - Turin Italy}}

The Barbara Dex Award is a humorous fan award given to the worst dressed artist each year. Named after Belgium's representative who came last in the 1993 contest, wearing her self-designed dress, the award was handed by the fansite House of Eurovision from 1997 to 2016 and is being carried out by the fansite songfestival.be since 2017.

File:ESC 2008 album cover.jpeg

Eurovision Song Contest: Belgrade 2008 was the official compilation album of the 2008 contest, put together by the European Broadcasting Union and released by EMI Records and CMC International on 12 May 2008.The album featured all 43 songs that entered in the 2008 contest, including the semi-finalists that failed to qualify into the grand final.{{cite web|title=Eurovision Song Contest: Belgrade 2008|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eurovision-Song-Contest-Belgrade-2008/dp/B0017YYEKK|website=amazon.co.uk|publisher=Amazon|access-date=5 November 2014|quote=Product detail: release date 12 May 2008|archive-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105224932/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eurovision-Song-Contest-Belgrade-2008/dp/B0017YYEKK|url-status=live}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• [https://eurovision.tv/ Eurovision Song Contest]
• [http://www.rts.rs/page/rts/sr/pesma+evrovizije.html/ RTS Evrosong] {{in lang|sr}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081216011600/http://www.eurovisionserbia.tv/ Official Serbian Eurovision website] {{in lang|sr}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest 2008}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits}}

{{coord|44|49|14|N|20|27|44|E|source:kolossus-ptwiki|display=title}}

{{Authority control}}

2008

Category:Music festivals in Serbia

Category:2008 in Serbia

Category:2000s in Belgrade

Category:Radio Television of Serbia original programming

Category:Music in Belgrade

Category:2008 song contests

Category:May 2008 in Europe

Category:Events in Belgrade