Memo: Statement by the European Commission on the closure of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation

The European Commission has taken note of the decision by the Greek authorities to close down the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), a decision taken in full autonomy.

The Commission supports the role of public broadcasting as an integral part of European democracy. The Treaty makes it clear that the governance and strategic choices on public service broadcasting lie with Member States. So while the Commission cannot prescribe Member States how to organise their public service broadcaster, they nevertheless highlight the role of public service broadcasters regarding European values in all economic circumstances, for the sake of media pluralism, media freedom and media quality and for the expression of cultural diversity.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Greece shuts public TV under EU pressure to cut public sector jobs http://www.europeansources.info/record/greece-shuts-public-tv-under-eu-pressure-to-cut-public-sector-jobs/

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