Greece remains Without formal public broadcasting for two and a half months, after the government's decision to close the ERT on June 11th. The temporary broadcaster, who was supposed to cover the needs until the establishment and organization of a new permanent body, still features only a makeshift rigged TV channel. Although the establishment and operation of a radio station is technically easier than that of a television, though the government, already two and a half months later, decided not to proceed with its creation.
Recall that by the time of the Greek public broadcaster switched off, the country had six national radio programs, 19 regional stations and one international one. A large number of employees of these radio stations have remained on the premises continuing to produce radio programs, having appealed against the government's decision. Therefore, in many of the frequencies of the former ERA a mix of pre-existing radio programs is transmitted. But the government, despite the fact that it has established no other "public radio", has ordered the closure of most transmitters broadcasting that program, leaving silence in public frequencies. It is noted that the lack of a radio service is against the decision of the High Court, which ordered the government to "continue to broadcast radio and television broadcasting operation of websites by a public service broadcaster for the period until to the establishment and operation of a new body which will serve the public interest. "
The scene is even more vivid in the countryside, as in many areas the existing local radio stations do not meet the needs that public radio stations did: they have significantly shorter coverage, they do not transmit news programs for more than a few hours a day, while listeners of former ERA Radio 2 are annoyed by music stations focusing on commercial playlists.
The lack of public broadcasting also creates risks for the undesirable possibility of a public emergency, in which the role of the public radio is more important than the television or the private radio stations. First because the TV is not accessible if the electricity is cut, or people have been forced to leave their homes. Second, because few private stations have the necessary infrastructure and reserves to continue production of emergency news programs under adverse conditions. Besides, there is the historical example of the ERA Kalamata, whose first and main role was to provide emergency information to the victims of the earthquake in 1986 who lived in tents for several days.
The lack of operating a radio station for a long period of time shows the inability of minister Kapsis' staff, but also the superficial way the news are treated -TV is seen as the only major player which the state has a duty to preserve. Transmiting silence by radio transmitters, while former employees continue to produce regular schedule, it is just a whim of the government, especially when it is unable to provide an alternative.
