The budget allocated by the State broadcaster to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest participation was “nowhere near” €1.5 million, according to PBS CEO Anton Attard.

Mr Attard was questioned by this newspaper as Ira Losco landed in Malta to a warm welcome by a crowd of waiting fans, who burst into cries of “Ira” and posed for selfies. 

Times of Malta had previously reported that PBS had pulled out all the stops to ensure an unprecedented budget for this year's Eurovision bid. 

Sources had claimed that expenditure could be at least double what Malta usually spent on the contest.

Asked whether the costs totalled half a million, Mr Attard replied that he could not give figures “for the time being”.

He explained the funds did not stem from public service obligation (funds advanced to the broadcaster by the government).

“An artist like Ira Losco attracts many commercial companies who are ready to invest more in terms of advertising and sponsorships. In fact, the amount of advertising which PBS managed to generate from this event was unprecedented.”

Asked whether the expenses were justified, especially in terms of Malta’s disappointing 12th placing, Mr Attard said that the Eurovision Song Contest was the most viewed show throughout the year, both locally as well as internationally.

Asked whether the same funds will be injected into next year’s Eurovision performer, Mr Attard said it depended on the commercial input received by PBS.

“We always do our best to ensure that our participation is of the highest level. This is an argument which erupts every year. The advantage of having an artist like Ira Losco is that there is keener interest.”

He thanked Ms Losco, who took the “biggest risk” when compared to everyone else, by deciding to take part in the contest.