Vienna, 12/06/2014
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), is expressing its unbiased support to the Greek journalists and media workers who held a protest on 11 June, one year since the public broadcaster ERT had been shut down as an austerity measure.
In the meantime, there have been no apparent efforts by the government to restore an independent public broadcaster. The current broadcaster NERIT is run by the Ministry of Finances and according to observers has no editorial independence. The former ERT staff and their unions have started broadcasting on ERT open, a channel with diverse public service in all Greek regions. However, this is not a sufficient and organized replacement.
SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujović stated: „ Public service values and journalistic rights are facing serious pressure in Greece. I ask the authorities to support the work of a professional public service in Greece”.