EBU Condemns Greek Government's Threat of Legal Action Against Satellite Operators Transmitting ERT Signal

GENEVA, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Ingrid Deltenre, today condemned the threat of legal action made by the Greek government against satellite operators that transmit the ERT signal over Europe and Asia.

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"We urge the Greek government to withdraw the threats made against satellite operators, and restore the continuity of public service media channels in Greece and across the world," said Ms Deltenre.

The government's threats are contrary to the offer last Friday, (14 June) by the Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, to resume certain public news broadcasts. They are 'yet another blow' to freedom of expression and information and media pluralism in Greece, Ms Deltenre said.

Last week, the Greek government's sudden closure of ERT's TV and radio channels together with its website was strongly condemned by the EBU, and by over 50 Directors General of its Membership, including the BBC, ARD, ZDF, Rai, RTVE, RTBF and France Télévisions. The closure was also criticized by the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and many other organizations and press associations around the world.

The EBU will continue its efforts to ensure that Greek citizens have access to reliable and relevant information from an independent and pluralistic public broadcaster.

About the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

The EBU is the world's foremost alliance of public service media organizations, with Members in 56 countries in Europe and beyond.

The EBU's mission is to defend the interests of public service media and to promote their indispensable contribution to modern society. It is the point of reference for industry knowledge and expertise.

The EBU operates EUROVISION and EURORADIO.

EUROVISION is the media industry's premier distributor and producer of top quality live sport and news, as well as entertainment, culture and music content.

EURORADIO enhances public service radio through the exchange of music, professional networking and the promotion of digital and hybrid radio - to ensure radio remains a key protagonist in a multimedia world.

The EUROVISION/EURORADIO satellite and fibre network is the largest and most reliable in the world directly plugged in to public service media everywhere.

web: http://www.ebu.ch - twitter: @EBU_Eurovision @Euroradio_EBU

For further information, please contact:

Michelle Roverelli,
Head of Communications,
T +41-(0)22-717-2204
M +41-(0)79-647-1724
E roverelli@ebu.ch