Tuesday was supposed to be a special day for independent and unbiased information: Euronews launched a Greek-language channel targeting Greece, Cyprus and Greek-speaking audience all over the world. However, as Greeks tuned to the news service in their own language, instead of Euronews, they got to see this:
Greek state broadcaster ERT had pulled the plug, apparently because the agreement between because the Lyon-based and EU funded news channel and the previous ERT board was illegal.
According to a statement issued by ERT, the transmission was cut off due to ‘potential harmful consequences’ for ERT.
” ERT temporarily interrupts the terrestrial digital broadcasting signal of multilingual TV channel Euronews, as so far the administration of ERT has not received a reply to the objections raised regarding the lack of a letter of agreement between the two companies for their collaboration in the project program broadcasting of Euronews the Greek language without deleterious consequences for ERT, the Greek state and the national legislation that regulates the rules of the domestic television market. ” (ERT.gr)
So far there has not been any official statement by Euronews, while Euronews CEO Michael Peters hailed the launching on Tuesday:
“This launch is a big step forward and will ensure to the Greek-speaking community an unrivalled window on world news and a recognised expertise on European affairs. The presence of a local team will highly improve our coverage in Greece, both in quantity and in quality, due to the permanent exchange between the journalists based in Athens and the editorial team based in our HQ in Lyon. The news coverage, in all domains, will be an opportunity to enhance the standing and influence of Greece on a European and international scale. Finally, we are delighted to provide an additional offer for the benefit of the general audience in Greece, Cyprus and all over the world.” (digitalteurope.net)
The wholly-owned subsidiary is based in Athens, and is available via various TV networks, online and via a mobile app. Euronews launched today also a news website in Greek.
“The agreement between ERT and EURONEWS was questioned by Nea Dimocratia MP Yiannis Michelakis in October, who claimed that according to legislation ERT cannot give away terrestrial digital broadcasting signal “which is public property to a competitor aiming to broadcast 24/7 news program in Greek.”
At that time, Peters had declared it was a misunderstanding as Euronews broadcasts in Greece its English and French program.
ERT’s new board had even considered to ask ‘possible legal responsibilities for the agreement’. (skai.gr)
Questions were raised last summer also concerning the procedures of staff hiring.
There was no interruption in Euronews broadcasting in Cyprus.
PS to tell you the truth I believe the whole issue has to do with internal conflicts within ERT, but it’s a very loing issue to post about it here.
