Rumours have been around for several days, concerning what will happen with the Greek Public Broadcaster ERT; plans came to the light, which even mention the scenario of total closure and reopening as another company with the staff reduced by 2,000 and much less services. Although ERT is not a deficient business, layoffs seem to satisfy the requirements of the Troika concerning layoffs in the public sector. On the other hand, the impact on the internal structure and services of ERT seems similar to the the draft by former minister Mossialos, two years ago, which at that moment had to be disregarded, but its requirements remain on the table.
Paricularly regarding radio, unconfirmed information published Gregory Melas in newsit.gr said: "The consolidation process planned by CEO Gikas Manalis, includes the closure of many regional radio stations of ERT, whereas the frequencies of public radio are to be reduced to a maximum of 4. This plan is indeed progressing rapidly, behind closed doors of the office of chief executive assisted by only two close associates, two people he brought to Radio House of Agia Paraskevi, one of them also acting as financial adviser. " Alongside, it seems that ERT3 is also in danger, which also owns two radio stations in Thessaloniki.
What is new in this piece of information is the fact that Public Radio frequencies are reduced to four, which can only mean that two of the six radio programs (First Schedule, Second, Third, EPA Sports, World, Friendship) will cease operation (;) .
Finally, what angers us is that although the planned project foresees the shrinking of services provided to the listeners by the Greek radio, there is no reference to a possible reduction of the contribution fee, which is charged through electricity bills. This means that it is a contraction which will remove content, will increase unemployment in the area of media, without any benefit to the consumer. The benefits are measured only in compliance with the political objectives of the troika, but also with the easening of the industrial competition for the similarly shrunk private broadcasters.
