Edge Hill University - An academic ear on Eurovision

An academic is to travel to the Eurovision Song Contest as an expert commentator. Phil Jackson, a senior lecturer in media at Edge Hill University, has been selected by the BBC to attend the contest in Serbia. He will also observe all the backstage rehearsals, press conferences and media launches. The self-confessed Eurovision fan said he recently took part in the first academic conference on the annual contest, which was held in Greece. At Eurovision 2008, "I will be commenting on everything from Ireland's decision to send a puppet turkey as its entry, to Russia sending its Robbie Williams equivalent," he said. The event's final takes place on 24 May in Belgrade.