The ABU TV Song Festival 2015 will be the fourth annual edition of the ABU TV Song Festivals. The event, which is non-competitive, will take place in Istanbul, Turkey and coinciding with the 52nd General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) which is scheduled for 28 October 2015. So far fifteen countries have confirmed their participation.
It was announced that the 2015 ABU TV Song Festival will take place in the Turkish city of Istanbul, and coincide with the 52nd General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).[1] Istanbul previously played hosts to the Eurovision Song Contest 2004, when the contest took place in the Abdi İpekçi Arena.[2] For the 4th edition of ABU TV Song Festival, Istanbul Congress Center was selected to be the venue of the event.[3]
The ABU TV Song Festival celebrates the popular music culture by showcasing high-profile musical acts from each of the participating ABU broadcasting members, in a non-competitive manner.[6]
Fourteen countries have been announced as participating at the 2015 edition, with India, Kazakhstan and Tunisia making their début; Afghanistan, Iran and Malaysia returning after a one-year absence; whilst Australia, Brunei and China have decided to withdraw from the festival.[7]
Each participating country was invited to broadcast the event across their respective networks and provide commentary in the native languages to add insight and description to the shows.