AMARC Europe is deeply concerned over closure of Greek public broadcaster. Community broadcasters express solidarity to their colleagues of the public service

Press Release
AMARC Europe is deeply concerned over closure of Greek public broadcaster.
Community broadcasters express solidarity to their colleagues of the public
service

Bruxelles, June 13th 2013, the European branch of the World Association of
Community Radio Broadcasters is deeply concerned by the sudden closure of
Greek public broadcaster ERT, and the threats to the right of information
during a period of profound social, political and financial crisis.

"After the closure of 2 community radio stations, Entasi Fm and 98Fm on
April 11th 2013, it is now the turn of the public service. Who will be the
next?", commented Sally Galiana, President of AMARC Europe. "It is clear
-continues Galiana- that the free flow of information is one of the victims
of the political and financial crisis in the country, depriving citizens
from a basic fundamental right, as the right of communication is. The
government's decision is a new step against democracy and media freedom in
Greece".

AMARC Europe express its solidarity to the almost 3000 workers who lost
their job and reminds that according to European and International
standards, Public Service Broadcasters are considered a fundamental element
for democracy.

Francesco Diasio, Secretary General of AMARC Europe added: "This decision
demonstrates that the range of Greek citizen rights is shrinking more and
more. The financial measures set out by the IMF and the so called EU
"stability pact" are killing the patient, preventing also him to be informed
on how he will die. European institutions (European Union, Council of
Europe, OSCE) should adopt any possible countermeasure to this dangerous
step".

European community, free and independent broadcasters therefore call the
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras to reconsider this choice and use his
power to reverse this decision: even if a new structure will be launched in
August with 1.200 employees instead of the 2.700 canceled jobs, there have
to be serious doubts that a structure of Public Service Broadcaster that
slender could fulfill the tasks of a full and impartial media service to the
citizens.
[end]

AMARC Europe is the regional branch of the World Association of Community
Broadcasters, gathering 230 members in 25 European countries. Its goal is to
support and contribute to the development of community and participatory
broadcasters along the principals of solidarity and cooperation.

More info:

AMARC Europe Secretariat
Francesco Diasio, +32.2.609 44 40; +32.484.309 822
Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.