One of the unique radio stations of the Greek radio spectrum will also be victim of the Troikan requirement for "mergers of public organizations" and generalized fanaticism against the public sector. While ERT3 generally "got away" as a result of pressure by local "stakeholders", the second service of Macedonia Radio Station, cultural radio of Thessaloniki 9.58fm, along with the short-wave service, were to fall victims of an unfortunate merger. The merger remains unjustified and blurred, with no feasibility study on the benefits and without a any strategic vision of the overall profile of the (resulting) ERT3 radio.

Minister Ilias Mossialos announced the austerity measures for the reform of the Greek public broadcaster ERT, letting only half of the organization intact. Apart from switching off ET1 (the national channel number one), the digital Cinesport+, the one which is being actually hurt by the reforms is the public radio. Thessaloniki-based ERT3 is loosing two of its 3 radio services, the cultural service 9.58 and the shortwave service.

Severe cuts for the Greek Radio are included in the new business plan of the Greek public broadcaster ERT, according to reports last week. The cuts are expected to lead radio stations to ceasing operation, selling land, but also drastically reducing the number of employees.

Specifically, the business plan of ERT suggests merging 19 regional radio stations into 13, which is estimated to save about 1.5 million euros. Though, this suggestion, according to Eleftherotypia "has caused strong opposition by regional members of the Parliament who do not accept this.  Read more »