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The Hellenic Federation of Journalists Appeals to EU Parliament

ert_koinovoulioThe Hellenic Federation of Journalists has decided to appeal to the Commission of European Parliament because of the closure of Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) and the amendment enactment which extend the transitional regime of Public Television.
Federation has sent letter to the International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists asking for new solidarity intervention with ERT employees and restoration of satellite signal.
The letter to European Parliament concerns the unjustified and sudden closure of ERT by the government, which is opposed to democratic standards that allow the right for information.
This happened in a government’s effort to decrease the costs and the financial consolidation of ERT. But, important issues of a legal and social nature have been caused, as the state budget has been further increased.
The subject matter of this letter is below:
“The operating cost of ERT was covered by contributions from the public, through the electricity bill.
In recent years, ERT contributed 80,000,000 euros to the state budget. However, according to financial evaluations the state budget will be increased to 100-125,000,000 euros until the establishment of the New Hellenic Radio, Internet and Television.
Through amendments adopted by 149 deputies as 120 were against Greek government admits that New Hellenic Radio, Internet and Television, which will replace ERT, will be delayed for at least ten months. At the same time the government appears frightened concerning the inability of covering the upcoming elections.
In addition, the creation of Public Television is not yet a legal entity, and a tax identification number has not been approved by the National Council of Radio television and radio program.
Greek Government did not meet its obligations as are reflected by the European Charter for media freedom and Amsterdam Protocol.
After the closing of ERT, there has not been serious discussion with employees, political parties and civil society in order to shape public broadcasting based on reliability and transparency.

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