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Italy participated in the Eurovision Song Contest every year from 1956-1997, except 1981-1982, 1986, and 1994-1996. It has not participated in the contest since 1997 because of the lack of interest from RAI and from the Italians themselves, but is currently considering it, as it will automatically qualify for the final, being part of the 'Big 5' along with the current Big 4 (Germany, UK, France, Spain).[citation needed] The broadcaster is RAI.
[edit] Contestants
[edit] Hostings
[edit] TV censorship of contest in 1974
Italy refused to broadcast the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest on the state television channel RAI because of a song sung by Gigliola Cinquetti which coincided with the intense political campaigning for the 1974 Italian referendum on divorce which was held a month later in May. Despite the Eurovision contest taking place more than a month before the planned vote and despite Cinquetti going as far as winning second place, Italian censors refused to allow the contest and song to be shown or heard. RAI censors felt that the song, which was titled "Sì" (yes), and which contained lyrics constantly repeating the aforementioned word could be accused of being subliminal messaging and a form of propaganda to influence the Italian voting public to vote 'yes' in the referendum. The song thus remained censored on most Italian state TV and radio stations for over a month.
[edit] External links
Naples
