Elli Siapkidou describes the movement against the government’s decision to shut down ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster

On Tuesday 11 June, the Greek government (primarily New Democracy party, with the tacit but undeclared support of coalition partners PASOK and DIMAR) announced they would shut down ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster. The decision was not approved by the parliament, but was implemented through a ministerial decree (which is a violation of the Constitution and Greek legislative procedure). The decree was signed by the President of the Hellenic Republic although opposition parties contacted him not to sign it. Neo-nazi Golden Dawn and New Democracy are the only 2 parliamentary parties that have openly supported the decision (although it seems coalition partners were aware of it).

The reaction of the Greek people and of foreign institutions to the violent and abrupt closure has been unprecedented. The public sector and private sector unions (GSEE and ADEDY), and the Journalists’ Union (ESIEA) went on strike the next day and have continued to strike until today (16 June 2013). People are gathering every day outside the central ERT building, while ERT employees have continued broadcasting non-stop since Wednesday 11pm (Greek time) when the screens went black.

Early statements of support came from the European Federation of Journalists , the European Broadcasting Union and the UK National Union of Journalists.

It seems that the government underestimated Greeks’ emotional attachment to ERT. The public broadcaster’s has a place in the hearts and minds of the Greek public not only because it provides a sense of connection to the motherland for millions across the Greek diaspora, but also because, ERT, as an important conduit of social and cultural cohesion, connects those at the extremities of Greek territory – islanders, and others – with the rest of the population on the mainland. Equally crucial, the closure of ERT limits the public’s access to information to that of private networks owned by tycoons involved in a whole host of scandals and deals with the Greek government and pro-memorandum Axis.

The argument was that ERT is marred with corruption and that it operates at a cost to the public sector. This is a paradox as this is the same government that kept hiring New Democracy party voters up until 2 months ago, as “special consultants” with high wages of more than €3,000 per month.

Latest developments

According to the latest news (16 June 2013), Samaras is not going to back down from his original decision to shut it down in order to replace it with a slimmer organisation a few months down the line. His proposal was to have a transition period, during which a small number of employees would be selected by a committee, representing all parties.

Both PASOK and DIMAR have rejected New Democracy’s plans, claiming it is essentially the same proposal as the original plan. Both PASOK and DIMAR want a more open dialogue about ERT operation in general. PASOK leader, Venizelos claims that the closure of ERT raises concerns about the quality of Greek democracy and its institutions. DIMAR leader, Kouvelis has stated that he does not want to go to elections, and if “Samaras wishes to move towards an electoral battle, he should take the responsibility”. DIMAR insists on the cancellation of the ministerial decree and on keeping ERT open. In his latest public speeches, Samaras continues the policy of discrediting ERT and its staff, by saying they were always on strike and that the institution itself was marred by corruption and lack of transparency. He refers to his decision to close ERT as the necessity of “breaking eggs” when making an omelette. The three coalition partners are to meet on Monday afternoon.

Early elections are still on the table, with 14 July being mentioned by some media outlets (e.g. realnews).

Meanwhile, a ruling by the Council of State is still pending. The ERT employees have been asked by the court to freeze the ministerial decree, until a discussion is held which has been scheduled for 27 September. The ERT employees state that the ministerial decree violates the citizens’ constitutional right to objective and unfettered information and their right of expression. Furthermore, it violates article 15 of the Greek constitution on the need to have a public broadcaster and article 25 on the proportionality principle. It is also noted that the decision violates European and international legislation. The Council of State is due to decide on Monday whether to hear the appeal from ERT staff or not. The hearing of the appeal could lead to judges ordering the broadcaster to resume service until a final verdict is issued.

An Ependytis newspaper poll found that 68% disagreed with the decision to shut down ERT, 49% of the respondents said the coalition government should remain in place but 47% said having snap elections would be preferable.

A few facts about ERT

• ERT employs more than 2500 people and operates channels across Greece, in remote areas where other broadcasters have no signal. It also broadcasts across the world, informing Greeks living abroad and providing a live link to them with Greek culture and “home”. Protesters gathered outside the ERT building until 3 am in the morning and they are gathering again today.

• ERT is the only broadcaster that actually operates legally in Greece, with all other TV channels lacking an official permit from the state.

• ERT is actually a profitable organisation. According to the Greek Treasury’s figures, in May 2010 ERT had a surplus of €40.97 million and had contributed up to 50% of its revenue to state coffers.

• The contribution each household makes to ERT through the electricity bill amounts to a mere €4.25 per month, of which up to 50% goes to the Greek state’s Electricity Market Operator.

• Since 2010 ERT employees’ salaries have been slashed – as were all other public servants/employees at state-owned institutions.

• ERT employs 2,907 people and has 3 national channels, 2 satellite, 5 radio stations, 19 regional radio stations, 35 broadcasters as well as music groups (orchestra, choir etc.)

• ERT is cited as being more costly when compared to private networks. What this comparison leaves out is the fact that ERT is a collection of national channels, national and regional radio stations, online resources, orchestras, and so on – not one single channel that can be sensibly compared to a single private network. These facts refute government claims that ERT is disproportionately costly compared to other television stations. What is more, all official trips (domestically and abroad) of Greece’s Prime Minister, President and parties leaders are covered by ERT which shares this material free-of-charge with private networks thus leading to savings for the latter.

• The ‘privileged’ ERT employees that the Government keeps citing are none other than 11 ‘Special Advisors’ and another 16 people occupying ‘special positions’ who amongst themselves earn in total €1.4 million annually (that’s an average of €4,300 gross per month) – that’s 27 employees out of 2,907 whilst, 2,870 ERT employees – the overwhelming majority – earn anything between €1,050 – €2,800 gross per month.

This is a petition to stop the shutdown of Public Television in Greece.