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Greek public broadcasters
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Wednesday, 12 June
2013
MEAA supports Greek journalists
after screens go black, radios silent
The
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance – Australia’s journalist union –
strong supports the 2500 employees of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation
(ERT) who have been sacked after the government decided to shut down the public
broadcaster’s TV and radio signals as part of an austerity drive demanded by
the country’s creditors. Government reports say ERT had been “dismantled” and
that authorities would “secure” the broadcaster’s facilities. The sacked
employees would be compensated, the government said.
The
government claims that ERT, which began operations in 1938, will reopen “as
soon as possible” but with a new, smaller workforce but there is no certainty
whether all of the broadcaster’s stations will reopen or how long the network
will be closed.
Christopher
Warren, federal secretary of the Media Alliance, said: “Silencing the state-run
broadcaster deprives the community of vital information. At the very least this
is a short-sighted move that savages a crucial public service. And it is a
ham-fisted attack on 2500 experienced and dedicated media professionals who
have worked hard for years to keep the community informed about the immense
upheavals taking place in Greece. But this is also a very sinister assault on
democracy and the public’s right to know, aimed at shrouding the activities of
the powerful from legitimate scrutiny.”
ERT
is funded by a payment of 4.30 euros added each month to electricity bills.
“ERT belongs to the people – it should not be used as a bargaining chip in the
bigger economic issues confronting Greece. It should not be muted or have its
function distorted through government harassment and intimidation. The Media
Alliance stands alongside our Greek colleagues as they struggle in such
difficult circumstances. We urge the Greek coalition government to rethink this
chilling decision and restore ERT immediately in recognition of the vital role
public service broadcasting plays at such a crucial time in Greek history,” Mr Warren
said.
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