Last week, minister Christos Spirtzis and general secretary Lefteris Kretsis met with the Association of Owners of Private Radio stations of Attica (EIIRA). During the meeting, the frequency map of Attica was submitted for consultation, it was proposed to reduce the frequency distance between the radio stations, it was suggested to have a public organization to conduct the radio surveys, while it appeared that the licensing of radio will wait a bit for the licensing of TV broadcasters.
Specifically, the meeting of the Government representatives with EIIRA was in a good mood. Transport Minister Ch. Spirtzis handed in the new radio frequency map for Attica, which includes the broadcasting locations and awaits the proposals concerned. The question about the number of radio licenses remained open, although Parapolitika news portal mentioned the government's intention to provide with licenses those radio stations which currently broadcast in Attica. There is also the possibility to reduce the frequency range of the 400 KHz gap around the radio stations of the EPA, but also to reduce the distance between radio stations to 200 KHz, from 300 KHz today. This it will allow them to increase the number of radio stations. Also, it was reported that after a licensing process the radio stations might have to move on the FM band, something that also happened in the past, when the first (and last) time radio stations Attica legal permits for four years were granted, back in 2001.
In response to the reactions against the monopoly of audience measurement by a single private company, Christos Spirtzis suggested creating a public survey organization. For its part, the Bureau of EIIRA argued that there should be a specialized body that will undertake the research already conducted by the Focus. In any case, the government has an intention to change the existing situation regarding radio audience measurements.
The discussion focused mainly on the government's intentions, given that at present no new legislative framework for the operation and licensing of radio stations has been submitted. The government's intention is to first complete the licensing process on TV and then start the process for the radio. The side of the government reportedly raised issues related to transparency in the ownership and pluralism, issues concerning the standard quality of radio, as the number of employees, the technical infrastructure and equipment, the requirements for tax, banking and insurance clearance and welcomed the signing of the Collective Labour Agreement between radio station owners and the engineers' union, a few days ago.
The overlap of radio stations and the question of the transmission power was one of the issues raised by the radio station owners.
The next meeting between the owners and the government is expected in about 15 days.
