EBU members have gathered in Malta for the 70th General Assembly, and given their unanimous support to a Declaration expressing concern with continued ‘black screens’ and the silence of Greek’s public broadcaster.
The Greek government took ERT off air on 11 June and since then the country’s highest administrative court, the Council of State has ordered broadcasting to return to air as soon as possible. The EBU membership welcomes the court’s interim ruling, recognising the role public service media plays in democratic society. However, the Greek government has still not restored services and the ERT channels remain off air.
The government has announced it will establish a new organisation to replace ERT, however, to do this successfully will take time. The General Assembly of the EBU has called for urgent action to immediately set up interim services and re-establish public service programming, utilising existing facilities and staff.
The EBU has pledged its assistance to the Greek government and deputy minister in charge of public services, Pantelis Kapsis. The organisation hopes to reach short- and long-term solutions to provide independent, sustainable public service media that contributes to pluralism, diversity and inclusivity in Greece.
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