UK Eurovision selection process in doubt after nul point disaster. (International).

Jemini's humiliating zero points score at this year's Eurovision Song Contest has prompted fresh calls for an overhaul of the UK selection process, with the UK music industry becoming more involved.

While Jemini's Integral/Vital-distributed single Cry Baby was looking likely to enter the Top 20 yesterday (Sunday), BBC producer Dominic Smith, who oversees Song For Europe and Eurovision coverage, is urging music companies to put forward more credible artists and songwriters. He also questions the current system in which songwriters are selected through the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers (Bacs).

Smith also believes the TV format needs an urgent re-think, perhaps tapping further into the reality TV pop phenomenon as is the model in Spain. He is currently in talks to secure more air time for Song For Europe in the lead up to the event.

"I realise that until the BBC offers more substantial programming in the early stages of Eurovision, record companies will be reluctant to do it," says Smith. "1 think most of the major labels feel that it is not something they want to put their artists into."

He adds, "We must also ask whether to take the route of going through the British Academy, which was the way things were set up in the Sixties when publishers came together to offer songs. But that system has been outmoded for 20 years and we need access to the big songwriters."

Bacs chairman David Ferguson has hit back at the comments. "For the BBC to put the blame on the system whereby Bacs filters songs is wholly inaccurate," says Ferguson, who adds that he hopes to meet with the BBC to discuss the way forward.

"The Eurovision Song Contest has been run down in the public perception to the extent that it has not been taken seriously and ...