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The EU Audiovisual Sector Social Dialogue Committee at its meeting today adopted a joint opinion on the situation of public service media in Greece.



The Social Partners express profound dismay at reports that the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) has been shut down. We call upon the Greek Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras to immediately reverse this decision. We further call on the European Commission to use its powers within its competences to support the continuation of all the components of public service media in Greece – the ‘cradle of democracy’.



The statement stresses that the audiovisual sector is both a practical resource and a primary source of information, culture and entertainment across the EU. Because of this it has a special significance in the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms and democracy across the member states of the EU. The co-existence of public and commercial organisations serves to create a diverse range of programming. It contributes to media pluralism, cultural and linguistic diversity, editorial competition as well as freedom of expression and the public’s right to information. It acts as a public watchdog as confirmed by the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights adding that this task “cannot be successfully accomplished unless it is grounded in the principle of pluralism, of which the State is the ultimate guarantor. This observation is especially valid in relation to audio-visual media, whose programmes are often broadcast very widely.”

The Social Partners acknowledge the difficult situation which Greece finds itself in at the moment, but the action concerning ERT is contrary to the values enshrined within the European Social Model. The existence of public service media and their independence from government lie at the heart of democratic societies. We urge the Greek government to fulfil its duties to ensure pluralism and to respect the independence of the media. We also urge the EU Institutions to address this serious issue as a matter of urgency, to work to preserve and develop the public broadcasting media and protect its workforce in Greece and across the EU.



The statement has been sent to the Greek Government EU Institutions prior to the the meeting of the Greek government over the situation of ERT later today.



Download the full text of the Joint Opinion from the menu above "Related Files"