The abrupt closure of ERT, the Greek public broadcasting service that runs 4 national TV stations, 19 local TV stations, 6 radios, several websites and administers the country’s audiovisual archives has stunned the whole world. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, for whom ERT represents “an exceptional case of lack of transparency and incredible spending”, intends to reduce the number of employees from 2,700 (including 200 musicians working for national ensembles) to 1,300, within the framework of a new structure which he wants to see launched in September.
This closure, which took place on the 12 June 2013 and was suspended on the 17 June by a legal decision, has sparked off numerous strikes and demonstrations, as well as the cancellation of a performance of Verdi’s Requiem, in which ERT chorus members were to take part. This is a serious attack on pluralism and freedom of the press, which is depriving Greek citizens of free access to their culture and is affecting members of the Greek diaspora for whom ERT provides an essential link with their country. The European Broadcasting Union, which has officially come out in favour of re-opening ERT, is enabling broadcasts to continue via its own website.
Contrary to Greek government assertions, many workers are unlikely to find employment in the future public structure which is intended to replace ERT. The result of this decision is that it contributes to making instability worse in a sector that is already undermined by the economic crisis and austerity measures.
In full support of ERT workers and their unions, FIM has requested the Greek government to review its stance and guarantee sustainability of jobs and the essential role of ERT in the country’s cultural fabric.
In addition, on the 17 June 2013, the European audiovisual sectoral social dialogue committee meeting in Brussels adopted a declaration (joint opinion of social partners) strongly condemning the decision to close ERT.