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

AsiaNet 53420

GENEVA, June 17, 2013 /PRM=KYODO JBN/--

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.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130613/621657 )

"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 Televisions. 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

Source: European Broadcasting Union (EBU)