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ERT World
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ERT World (formerly ERT SAT) is a Greek free-to-air television channel owned and operated by state-owned public broadcaster Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (Greek: EPT – Ελληνική Ραδιοφωνία Τηλεόραση). It is the corporation's international television service, and its programming includes a mix of news, discussion-based programmes, drama, documentaries, entertainment shows as well as sports coverage including live games from Greece's top football league, Super League Greece.

Key Information

As of June 12, 2013, was disestablished under an order of the Greek Government, as part of austerity measures, along with all of ERT's former TV and radio channels; ET1, NET, ET3, ERT World and the radios ceased to operate from the morning of Wednesday 12 June. As of 3 May 2016, ERT world broadcasts again on Europe.

History

[edit]

In early 2006, the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation revealed that ERT SAT would be undergoing a major overhaul to allow it to better meet the needs of Greeks abroad. Among the changes are new programmes designed specifically for the Omogeneia (Greek expatriates) and a localized schedule to serve each of the newly designated program 'zones' - North America, Europe/Africa and Asia/Australia. The new program zones were to be launched in the fall of 2006 but as of March 2013 had yet to materialize as the channel still aired programs according to local time in Greece (UTC+2).

Distribution

[edit]

In August 2010, ERT announced that they had initiated a public bidding process to award the worldwide distribution rights for ERT World. The current rights holder, Comart Telecom declined to renew their agreement with ERT and on August 30, 2010, it was announced that PCCW Global would be awarded the distribution rights temporarily for 1 year until the bidding process was completed and a decision made on the rights holder.

As of March 2013, the distribution rights are held by KBI Implus Hellas. On 11 June 2013, the channel and all the channels of the ERT group were brutally cut shortly before 11 pm (local time). If the terrestrial channels (ERT1, ERT2 and ERT3) resume their broadcasts on 11 June 2015, it is still almost a year before the satellite version of Greek public television resumes broadcasting on the Hot Bird satellite on 3 May 2016 in Europe.

Programming

[edit]

ERT World created a special program consisting of the best programmes from the three national channels, ERT1, ERT2 and ERT3, and its own specialized programs targeted at the global promotion of Greece. It also used to air programs from Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (the Cypriot public broadcaster) but discontinued the practice.

Programming is split into two zones - weekday and weekend. On weekdays one can find standard news and information as well as some entertainment shows. On the weekend the focus is mainly on entertainment and sports.

Original ERT World programming

[edit]
  • Apo Tin Australia Me Agapi - weekly magazine, features news and stories about the Greek diaspora in Australia. Hosted by Alekos Markellos & Emma Emmanuel.
  • Odysseia (Odyssey) - new program created specifically for ERT World, deals with the Omogenia. Features community news from various Greek communities around the world, issues regarding the initiatives and events of the diaspora, problems facing those living abroad regarding connecting with the homeland and live reports from cities and communities of the Greek diaspora. Hosted by Dora Anagnostopoulou.
  • Elliniko Panorama (Hellenic Panorama) - newsmagazine designed specifically for viewers of ERT World that aims to present to viewers the face of Hellenism. A look at the new generation and how they are shaping the Greece of tomorrow, discussion with Hellenes abroad and reports on key individuals. Now in its 4th year, hosted by Irini Nikolopoulou.
  • NEWS4U - daily English language news bulletin.
  • Tekmiria Ellinismou - documentary series.

From former ET3

[edit]
  • Αlithina Senaria - informative series that takes the viewer around the world to meet people who excel in their respective jobs. From a businessman on Wall Street to a shepherd in Pindos, from an acclaimed journalist to a hermit in Pilios, these are fascinating people with a story to tell. This program is now in its ninth year and has been the most watched show on ET-3 since its inception. It is hosted by Nikos Aslanidis.
  • Anikhnéfsis - news magazine with a focus on the Balkan region and the countries that comprise it. It gives an in-depth look at the culture, history and people of this region. Hosted by Pantelis Savvidis.
  • Diaspora - a series that focuses on bridging the gap between Greeks living abroad and Greece. It gives a voice to the homogeneity, to tell about their way of life, the problems they face, stories about their experiences and more. This show that will inform and entertain viewers the world around is hosted by Xrusa Samou.

Logos

[edit]
  • Original ERT Sat logo, 1996-2000
    Original ERT Sat logo, 1996-2000
  • ERT Sat logo used from 2000 to 2006
    ERT Sat logo used from 2000 to 2006
  • ERT Sat logo (2006)
    ERT Sat logo (2006)
  • ERT World logo used from 2008–2013 and again since its re-launching in 2016. This logo changed the new look from 2008.
    ERT World logo used from 2008–2013 and again since its re-launching in 2016. This logo changed the new look from 2008.
  • ERT World logo, in use from the 28th of September 2020, to this day following ERT's recent rebranding.
    ERT World logo, in use from the 28th of September 2020, to this day following ERT's recent rebranding.

See also

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

ERT World

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

ERT World is a Greek-language free-to-air television channel owned and operated by the (ERT), 's state public broadcaster, serving as its international service for Greek communities worldwide.
Launched in 1996 as ERT Sat and later rebranded, the channel delivers a diverse lineup including news bulletins, discussion programs, dramas, documentaries, entertainment series, and live sports coverage, often featuring content from ERT's domestic channels alongside diaspora-focused segments on community events and issues.
ERT World faced suspension in 2013 amid the Greek government's abrupt shutdown of ERT as part of fiscal austerity reforms aimed at curbing perceived bureaucratic excess and financial waste in , a move that sparked widespread protests, international condemnation, and legal challenges before ERT's reinstatement and the channel's relaunch in 2016. The channel has since expanded its global reach, including availability on platforms like Freeview in the via Channelbox since December 2023, underscoring its role in maintaining cultural ties for expatriate Greeks.

History

Origins and Launch as ERT SAT

ERT SAT was launched in 1996 by the (ERT), Greece's public broadcaster, as its dedicated satellite channel targeting expatriate Greek communities worldwide. This initiative addressed the growing demand for accessible Greek-language programming amid advancing satellite technology, enabling broadcasts beyond domestic terrestrial limits to regions with significant populations, such as , , and . The channel's establishment reflected ERT's strategic expansion to preserve cultural and linguistic ties for abroad, compiling content primarily from its existing national channels including ET1, , and ET3. Initial operations focused on a feed of news bulletins, cultural documentaries, traditional music, and serialized dramas, with programming schedules aligned to serve multiple time zones for global viewers. Transmitted via satellites like , ERT SAT operated as a service, prioritizing informational and heritage content over commercial entertainment to fulfill obligations. Unlike private Greek channels emerging in the late and , ERT SAT emphasized non-commercial, state-funded dissemination of and current affairs to expatriates.

Pre-2013 Expansion and Operations

ERT SAT commenced broadcasting in 1996 as the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation's dedicated satellite channel for overseas Greek audiences, delivering transmissions primarily via geostationary satellites to maintain linguistic and cultural connections with expatriate communities. The service aggregated content from ERT's domestic television networks, ET1, , and ET3, featuring daily news updates, historical documentaries, cultural programming, religious services, and select entertainment series, all aired in Greek to cater specifically to the diaspora's preferences. Initial distribution emphasized coverage across using satellites such as those at 13° East, enabling reception in countries with significant Greek populations like , the , and . Expansion efforts in the early 2000s extended reach to , highlighted by the channel's integration into the Dish Network platform in February 2001, which facilitated broader accessibility for Greek-Americans through subscription satellite services. Technical operations involved standard encoding at transmission rates around 20,000 ksym/s on frequencies like 12.311 GHz, ensuring reliable free-to-air decoding with appropriate satellite dishes and receivers. By the mid-2000s, ERT SAT had evolved to include enhanced programming blocks aimed at diverse time zones, though full zonal differentiation for , the , and remained partially unrealized. The channel's rebranding to ERT World in reflected ambitions for a more global identity, introducing updated logos and minor graphical refreshes while preserving the core model of repurposed domestic feeds supplemented by diaspora-oriented specials. Operations emphasized cost-effective satellite uplinking from facilities, with content curated to promote national heritage amid Greece's economic challenges leading into the .

2013 Shutdown and Immediate Fallout

On June 11, 2013, the Greek coalition government, led by Prime Minister , announced the immediate shutdown of the (ERT), including its international channel ERT World, as part of austerity measures amid the ongoing . The decision, justified by government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou as targeting a "haven of waste" characterized by inefficiency and overstaffing, resulted in the termination of approximately 2,656 ERT employees and the cessation of all broadcasts by midnight that day. ERT World, which provided programming to communities worldwide via satellite and online platforms, abruptly halted its transmissions, depriving international audiences of news, cultural content, and information in Greek. The shutdown triggered widespread domestic and international backlash, with ERT employees occupying the Radiomegaron headquarters in and launching an unauthorized online stream known as ERT Open to maintain some continuity of service. Labor unions declared a 24-hour on June 12, protesting the move as an assault on and workers' rights, while coalition partners and DIMAR expressed dissent, exacerbating tensions within the government. Greece's issued a temporary ruling on June 17 declaring the closure unconstitutional due to procedural flaws, ordering the resumption of basic programming, though full compliance was delayed amid political gridlock. Internationally, the and figures like German Chancellor voiced concerns over the democratic implications, viewing the abrupt silencing of a public broadcaster as a threat to during economic hardship. Greek diaspora communities reported disruption to their primary source of homeland news, prompting solidarity protests in cities like New York and , where ERT World's role in cultural connectivity was highlighted. The government's stated aim of replacing ERT with a leaner entity, New Hellenic Radio, and Television (NERIT), faced skepticism, as critics argued the savings—estimated at around €40 million annually—were minimal relative to the broader fiscal challenges and potential for politicized media control.

2015 Relaunch and Subsequent Developments

The (ERT), including its international channel ERT World, was abruptly shut down on June 11, 2013, by the as part of austerity measures aimed at reducing public spending, with the stated goal of eliminating waste in the broadcaster that cost approximately €300 million annually. This closure replaced ERT with the interim New Hellenic Radio, Internet and Television (NERIT), which operated until the SYRIZA-led government announced the restoration of ERT. On June 11, 2015—symbolically two years to the day after the shutdown—ERT resumed broadcasting, reinstating its domestic channels and absorbing NERIT's operations, though ERT World specifically remained off-air initially. ERT World relaunched on May 3, 2016, restoring satellite and international feeds primarily targeting communities in and beyond, utilizing the pre-2013 logo and programming mix of news, culture, and repurposed domestic content. The relaunch occurred amid ongoing fiscal challenges, with ERT funded via a €3 surcharge on bills, a reduction from pre-shutdown levels, reflecting continued efforts to streamline operations while maintaining obligations. Post-relaunch, ERT World focused on enhancing for expatriates, including expanded digital streaming options, though viewership data remains limited due to the channel's niche audience. Subsequent developments included a major on September 28, 2020, aligning ERT World with ERT's overall visual refresh, introducing a new logo and color scheme to modernize presentation while separating international idents from domestic ones. This update coincided with broader ERT initiatives to bolster digital presence and original international programming, such as cultural series tailored for global Greek audiences, amid criticisms of state influence under successive governments. By 2025, ERT World had expanded its reach through online platforms, though it faced persistent funding pressures and competition from private ethnic media targeting the .

Governance and Funding

Ownership and Organizational Structure

ERT World is wholly owned and operated by the (ERT), Greece's state-owned public service broadcaster, which functions as a (société anonyme, or SA) under national law. As a channel within ERT's portfolio, ERT World falls under the direct oversight of ERT's central , with no private shareholders or external stakes reported. ERT's organizational structure is hierarchical, led by a seven-member as its highest governing body, comprising five members appointed by on nomination and two by opposition parties to provide nominal cross-party representation. The board appoints the CEO, who oversees operational divisions including television channels like ERT World, radio services, and digital platforms; current leadership includes a president-chair and specialized directors for news and programming. This government-influenced appointment process has drawn criticism for potentially prioritizing political alignment over editorial independence, as evidenced by shifts in board composition following elections, such as post-2019 appointments under the New Democracy . ERT World, as an international outreach arm, integrates into ERT's broader television production and distribution framework without a distinct autonomous structure.

Funding Mechanisms and Fiscal Challenges

ERT's funding, which encompasses ERT World as one of its international channels, derives primarily from a public television license fee of €3 per household per month, collected through electricity bills since the relaunch. This fee, reduced from approximately €4.70 prior to the shutdown, constitutes the core revenue stream, supplemented by advertising income that accounted for around 20% of pre-2013 funding. By 2022, ERT's overall annual budget had reached €200 million, reflecting gradual expansion post-relaunch but remaining constrained relative to operational scale. Fiscal challenges have historically centered on perceived inefficiencies and high personnel costs, culminating in the abrupt 2013 government-mandated shutdown under the ND-PASOK-DIMAR coalition, which aimed to trim public expenditure amid Greece's sovereign debt crisis by dismissing over 2,600 employees and halting operations to achieve initial savings estimated at €51 million annually. Proponents argued ERT operated at a deficit with redundant —employing about 2,700 people for three channels—while critics, including unions and opposition parties, contested claims of unprofitability, noting self-sustaining license fee revenue independent of the national budget. The closure, enacted via ministerial decree without parliamentary approval, sparked protests and condemnation for undermining public service media viability. Post-2015 relaunch under the SYRIZA-led government, ERT faced persistent underfunding issues, with the diminished yielding insufficient resources for robust programming and infrastructure upgrades, exacerbated by low public compliance and collection rates during economic . ERT's CEO in highlighted chronically low audience engagement and investment shortfalls, attributing them partly to the fee's inadequacy, which limited competitiveness against private broadcasters. For ERT World specifically, integration into ERT's unified imposes shared fiscal pressures, including elevated transmission and subtitling costs for diaspora outreach, without dedicated international allocations, amid broader critiques of over-reliance on a fee vulnerable to political adjustments and evasion. Ongoing Greek fiscal surveillance until 2023 indirectly constrained public media expansions, prioritizing debt reduction over broadcaster autonomy.

Programming

Core Content Categories

ERT World's programming primarily consists of news and informational content drawn from ERT's domestic channels, providing updates on Greek politics, , and international affairs relevant to expatriates. Daily news bulletins, such as Deltio Eidiseon, feature reports from correspondents covering events in and globally, emphasizing timely coverage of national developments. Entertainment forms a significant portion, including Greek television series, classic and contemporary films from the national cinema repertoire, and lifestyle shows involving cooking, travel, and interviews. Weekday schedules incorporate entertainment segments like TV Movie Parea and Elliniko Kinimatografos, while weekends prioritize lighter fare such as dramas and variety programs. Cultural and documentary programming highlights Greek heritage, history, and arts, with content encompassing documentaries on traditions, music specials, and educational segments. These often include expert analyses and archival footage to maintain connections with the diaspora. Sports coverage focuses on Greek leagues and events, including live broadcasts of football matches and basketball, alongside talk shows discussing athletic achievements. This category appeals to expatriate audiences seeking homeland sports updates. Additional categories feature talk shows on current affairs, children's programming with educational elements, and occasional special events like music performances or announcements, all repurposed to suit international time zones.

Original vs. Repurposed Productions

ERT World's programming predominantly features repurposed content from the domestic channels of the (ERT), including news bulletins, factual documentaries, cultural programs, and entertainment series originally produced for , ERT2, and ERT3. This approach leverages existing high-production-value material to deliver a broad representation of Greek public media to overseas viewers, minimizing additional costs while maintaining consistency with national output. In contrast, original productions specific to ERT World are more targeted and limited in scope, focusing on content tailored to the to foster connection with communities. Examples include dedicated segments and magazines that cover developments in Greek populations abroad, such as weekly updates on events and stories from regions like . These programs often feature localized reporting by correspondents, distinguishing them from the generalized domestic feeds by emphasizing international Greek perspectives and reducing reliance on time-delayed rebroadcasts. The balance between repurposed and original content reflects ERT's resource constraints as a state-funded entity, prioritizing efficiency in distribution while allocating targeted budgets for engagement. Repurposed material forms the bulk—often exceeding 80% of airtime based on schedule analyses—allowing for seamless integration of domestic shows like award-winning series and coverage into the international feed. Original elements, though fewer, enhance relevance by addressing expatriate-specific interests, such as abroad or community news, which domestic channels cover less extensively. This hybrid model supports ERT World's mandate to bridge with its global without duplicating full-scale production infrastructures.

Programming Evolution Post-Relaunch

Following its relaunch on 3 May 2016, ERT World focused on a curated selection of programming drawn primarily from ERT's domestic channels, including daily news bulletins, cultural documentaries, educational content, drama series, and select sports coverage to serve the . This approach emphasized repurposed high-quality productions from , ERT2, and ERT3, supplemented by discussion programs and entertainment aimed at fostering cultural ties abroad. Subsequent adjustments prioritized diaspora preferences, incorporating more fiction series and lifestyle content identified through internal assessments, while maintaining a balance of informational and recreational fare. By , a introduced updated graphics and scheduling tweaks, enhancing visual appeal without altering the core emphasis on reliable news and heritage programming. Schedule modifications became routine, such as the July 2022 additions of episodes from the series The Oath (episodes 11–14) and wildlife documentary Wild Life to fill prime slots and boost viewer engagement. In recent years, programming has evolved toward greater digital integration, with the international rollout of ERTFLIX in October 2023 enabling on-demand streaming of ERT World content, archives, and subtitled series for overseas audiences. This shift expanded accessibility beyond satellite, incorporating refreshed morning magazines and diaspora-focused segments, such as multi-hour shows covering global Greek communities, politics, and events. Live coverage of national holidays, sports, and cultural broadcasts remains central, reflecting sustained efforts to adapt to evolving viewer habits amid fiscal constraints on original international productions.

Distribution and Accessibility

Technical Broadcast Platforms

ERT World primarily transmits via satellite for reception across and parts of and the , utilizing multiple orbital positions to ensure broad coverage for the Greek diaspora. The main European beam operates on Eutelsat's 13F satellite at 13.0°E, with updated parameters effective from October 23, 2024: frequency 11823 MHz horizontal polarization, symbol rate 27500, and modulation. Additional beams include Eutelsat 9B at 9.0°E (frequency 11938 MHz horizontal) and BulgariaSat 1 at 1.9°E, enabling reception with standard parabolic dishes and set-top boxes compliant with DVB-S/S2 standards. Beyond satellite, ERT World is accessible through digital terrestrial platforms in select markets, such as the United Kingdom's Freeview service via the Channelbox aggregator on channel 271, launched in December 2023 to expand over-the-air availability without subscription fees. Online streaming constitutes a growing platform, integrated into ERT's ERTFLIX service, which extended international access in October 2023 for users abroad via web browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs, supporting live and on-demand viewing with geo-restrictions lifted for diaspora audiences. Cable carriage remains limited, primarily through partnerships like in for a localized feed, but lacks widespread adoption in other regions compared to satellite and IP-based methods. These platforms emphasize unencrypted, no-cost access to align with ERT's mandate, though signal quality and availability depend on regional and receiver compatibility.

International Availability and Reach

ERT World is primarily distributed via on the Hotbird 13° East position, enabling reception across , as well as parts of and , targeting Greek communities in those regions. This setup, updated as of October 19, 2024, supports standard transmission for households equipped with appropriate satellite dishes and receivers. Globecast has handled pan-European distribution of ERT World since its 2015 relaunch, facilitating carriage to audiences via uplink and services. In select countries, ERT World is accessible through terrestrial and cable platforms. For instance, it launched on the UK's Freeview digital terrestrial service on December 19, 2023, expanding over-the-air availability to British households with set-top boxes or integrated TVs. Partnerships extend reach to niche sectors, such as maritime viewers; since August 2022, KVH Media Group has integrated ERT World into its satellite TV systems for Greek seafarers worldwide via VSAT networks. Complementing linear broadcasts, ERT World's content is available internationally via the ERTFLIX streaming platform's global edition, launched in October 2023, which permits on-demand access from anywhere using web browsers, , or Android apps, primarily for abroad without geographic restrictions on licensed material. Live streams of ERT World are also offered on ERT's official website and apps, broadening digital reach beyond traditional infrastructure. The channel's programming serves the estimated 5-7 million-strong , focusing on news, culture, and homeland connections, though specific international viewership metrics remain undisclosed by ERT.

Reception and Impact

Audience Engagement and Metrics

ERT World targets the global , estimated at approximately 5 million individuals. As an international broadcaster, it distributes content via satellite (e.g., Hotbird for ), cable, and terrestrial platforms such as Freeview in the , enabling access for expatriate communities in , , and beyond. Detailed viewership ratings or engagement metrics, such as unique viewers or watch time, are not publicly disclosed by ERT, unlike domestic channels where Nielsen-equivalent data tracks event-specific peaks (e.g., up to 59% share for select sports broadcasts on ERT2). Engagement appears sustained through niche programming tailored to diaspora needs, including news bulletins and cultural content, though empirical data on retention or digital interactions remains scarce in available reports.

Cultural Role for Greek Diaspora

ERT World functions as a vital conduit for cultural continuity among the Greek diaspora, delivering Greek-language programming that encompasses news from , traditional music, , and historical documentaries to communities spanning over 100 countries. This content enables overseas to remain engaged with national events, holidays, and societal developments, countering assimilation pressures in host nations. Dedicated segments, such as the "Greeks Around The World" series on the affiliated platform, showcase expatriate-curated reports on community initiatives, local festivals, and integration challenges in regions like , the , and , thereby reinforcing ethnic bonds and intergenerational transmission of customs. Similarly, documentaries like "Routes of the ," aired in 2023, examine migration histories and contemporary contributions of abroad, drawing on interviews with diaspora leaders to highlight their role in bilateral relations. The channel's expansion via ERTFLIX International in October 2023 has amplified this role by streaming archived materials representing nearly 80% of Greece's audiovisual heritage— including , series, and cultural specials—to subscribers worldwide, facilitating language retention and exposure to Hellenic arts for younger members detached from ancestral roots. These efforts collectively sustain a shared cultural narrative, evidenced by sustained viewership in diaspora hubs where ERT World remains a for homeland-oriented media amid declining local Greek-language outlets.

Achievements in Global Outreach

ERT World has extended its reach to Greek diaspora communities worldwide primarily through satellite broadcasting on multiple positions, including Hotbird 13F for wide an coverage, Hellas Sat 4 for , Eutelsat 9B for regional access, and 19 for and , enabling reception in key expatriate regions such as , the , and . Separate feeds, including ERT World and ERT World , cater to differences and regional preferences, sustaining cultural and informational links for expatriates. Post-2015 relaunch in 2016, ERT collaborated with Globecast to manage signal delivery, prioritizing compatibility with older satellite dishes common among households to maximize accessibility without requiring equipment upgrades. This supported the channel's role in disseminating Greek , programming, and cultural content to an estimated global exceeding 5 million, though precise viewership metrics remain unpublished by ERT. In December 2023, ERT World launched on Freeview channel 78 in the , providing terrestrial digital access to the UK's Greek community of approximately 300,000, alongside satellite options, thus broadening non-satellite viewership in a major hub. Complementing this, ERT's streaming platform ERTFLIX expanded internationally in October 2023, offering on-demand access to archived series, documentaries, and news tailored for expatriates, reinforcing ties amid digital migration trends. Dedicated diaspora-focused programming, such as the Voice of Greece radio series "Greeks Around the World" launched in 2022—curated by expatriates—and "Our Global Voice," which profiles prominent diaspora figures in science, , and business, exemplify targeted outreach to maintain linguistic and cultural continuity. Documentaries like "Routes of the Greek Diaspora," aired in 2023, further highlight expatriate contributions, distributed via ERT World to foster national identity abroad. Ongoing technical enhancements include a 2025 contract with Comart for international signal transmission, encompassing ERT World TV, HbbTV services, and electronic guides, ensuring reliable delivery across hybrid platforms amid evolving broadcast standards. These efforts position ERT World as a state-supported conduit for Greece's , though critiques note reliance on public funding without disclosed ROI data for engagement.

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of Political Bias and State Control

As a state-owned entity under direct government oversight, the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), which operates ERT World, has faced persistent allegations of serving as an instrument of ruling party influence rather than maintaining independence as a public service broadcaster. Leadership appointments, including the board and president, are controlled by the government, enabling successive administrations to align content with their agendas; for instance, in July 2019, legislation placed ERT explicitly under the Prime Minister's office, prompting criticism from opposition parties for eroding autonomy. This structure echoes Greece's historical pattern of public broadcasting as a state tool, originating from its 1930s founding under authoritarian regimes and persisting through post-dictatorship eras marked by clientelist patronage and cronyism in staffing. The 2013 abrupt shutdown of ERT by the New Democracy-PASOK-DIMAR coalition government exemplified these tensions, with officials decrying it as a "den of redundancy" riddled with 2,700 politically appointed employees and pro-government bias, justifying the closure as essential for reforms despite international condemnation for undermining . ERT's pre-shutdown news coverage was accused of favoring the incumbent administration while occasionally critiquing policy, but critics from across the spectrum highlighted its role in amplifying state narratives, including during the era when it functioned overtly as . The relaunch in 2015 under the -led government rehired many former staff and shifted perceptions toward left-wing favoritism, with opposition claims of retaliatory hirings and biased programming that prioritized SYRIZA viewpoints over balanced reporting. Under the New Democracy government since 2019, allegations intensified, including SYRIZA's 2021 complaint against ERT president Konstantinos Zoulas for partisan favoritism and failure to air opposition proposals equitably. Between January and February 2021, ERT aired reports deemed misleadingly supportive of government healthcare legislation, exemplifying claims of one-sided coverage that prioritized narratives. Journalists have reported internal , particularly after appointments of affiliates, reinforcing perceptions of editorial control. These patterns extend to ERT World, the international channel targeting the Greek diaspora, which inherits ERT's structural dependencies and has been critiqued as an extension of state messaging abroad, though specific diaspora-focused complaints remain tied to broader ERT governance issues. Opposition and watchdog groups argue that such biases undermine ERT's public service mandate, fostering a cycle where each government reshapes the broadcaster to reflect its ideology, with empirical evidence from appointment data and content analyses supporting claims of systemic politicization over journalistic independence. While defenders cite fiscal necessities and legal oversight by the National Council for Radio and Television, critics contend that without structural reforms to insulate appointments from political interference, ERT—including its global arm—continues to prioritize state control over objective dissemination of information.

Debates on Efficiency, Waste, and Public Value

The shutdown of ERT in June 2013, which included ERT World, was precipitated by government assertions of systemic inefficiency and fiscal waste within the public broadcaster. The coalition administration described ERT as a "haven of waste" characterized by "unique lack of transparency," with operational costs estimated at three to seven times those of comparable private broadcasters for equivalent programming output. This move aimed to eliminate approximately 2,600 positions and reduce public spending amid Greece's sovereign debt crisis, reflecting broader austerity measures demanded by international creditors. Critics, including labor unions and opposition parties, contested the abrupt closure as disproportionate, arguing it undermined public access to independent information and cultural content without sufficient evidence of reform alternatives. Post-relaunch in under a Syriza-led , debates persisted regarding ERT's— and by extension ERT World's— relative to . ERT's pre-closure share hovered around 12%, raising questions about the broadcaster's ability to justify its through , particularly for international services like ERT World aimed at the Greek diaspora. Proponents of public emphasized ERT World's role in preserving linguistic and cultural ties for expatriates, facilitating news dissemination and programming unavailable via commercial outlets. However, skeptics highlighted ongoing structural issues, such as overstaffing and limited measurable impact on diaspora retention or cultural promotion, especially in an era of digital streaming alternatives that reduce the necessity for subsidized satellite broadcasting. Empirical assessments of efficiency post-2015 have been sparse, but inherited criticisms of state control over content—potentially prioritizing political agendas over viewer needs—have fueled arguments that ERT World delivers suboptimal value for investment. While no comprehensive independent audits quantifying ERT World's cost-per-viewer metrics are publicly detailed, the broadcaster's reliance on annual state allocations underscores a causal tension: fixed costs for niche international reach may not scale with data, prompting calls for or defunding elements perceived as redundant in a competitive media . These debates reflect a fundamental trade-off between subsidizing projection abroad and fiscal prudence, with evidence from the 2013 closure suggesting prior inefficiencies warranted intervention, though long-term reforms remain contested.

References

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  28. https://statemediamonitor.com/2025/08/hellenic-broadcasting-corporation-ert/
  29. https://www.mandy.com/aa/company/ert-national-television-greece/
  30. https://rocketreach.co/ert-sa-hellenic-broadcasting-corporation-management_b5c04e01f42e080b
  31. https://www.sgi-network.org/2024/Greece/Diagonal_Accountability
  32. https://www.ebu.ch/news/2021/11/interview-with-georgios-gabritsos-ceo-of-ert
  33. https://truthout.org/articles/the-shutdown-of-ert-and-greeces-media-landscape-a-modern-day-wild-wild-west/
  34. https://www.amnesty.org/fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/eur250092013en.pdf
  35. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/medialse/2016/12/15/the-greek-broadcaster-ert-a-state-or-public-service-broadcaster/
  36. https://e.huawei.com/fr/case-studies/data-center/2021/cloudcampus-solution-in-greece
  37. https://www.ert.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ertworld-tvschedule-from-25-10-2025-to-31-10-2025.docx
  38. https://press.ert.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ERTWORLD-TV-PROGRAM-from-01.07.2023-to-01.13.2023-Long-1.docx
  39. https://hephaestuswien.com/en/ert-world-fiction-series-09-23-en/
  40. https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/ert-world/
  41. https://alchetron.com/Hellenic-Broadcasting-Corporation
  42. https://press.ert.gr/tv/ert-world-program-modification-the-oath-amp-wild-life-07-20-2022-07-29-2022/
  43. https://hellenicnews.com/2023/10/11/ertflix-has-now-officially-become-international/
  44. https://press.ert.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ERTWORLD_TvSchedule_from_13_09_2025_to_19_09_2025_Long.docx
  45. https://vog.ert.gr/article/ERT-World-and-Voice-of-Greece-New-Satellite-Reception-Parameters/?lang=en
  46. https://www.lyngsat.com/tvchannels/gr/ERT-World.html
  47. https://www.satindex.de/channeleng/32846/
  48. https://www.facebook.com/GreeceSydney/videos/ertflix-has-now-officially-become-international-%25EF%25B8%258F%25EF%25B8%258F-the-international-edition-of-/280509881639622/
  49. http://www.mlahanas.de/Greece/Info/ListOfGreekLanguageTelevisionChannels.html
  50. https://www.tvz.tv/?c=messages&s=more&id=27036
  51. https://www.kvh.com/2022/08/kvh-partners-with-the-hellenic-broadcasting-corporation-ert-to-serve-greek-seafarers-with-native-content-through-kvh-link/
  52. https://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/republic-of-korea-en/news/ertflix-has-now-officially-become-international.html
  53. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2024/03/17/life/film/whats-on-ertflix-international-feature-films-documentaries-and-tv-shows-greeks-worldwide-can-access/
  54. https://www.ertflix.gr/en/epg/channel/ept-world-live
  55. https://www.radiosurvivor.com/2013/06/greek-government-shuts-down-national-public-broadcaster-ert/
  56. https://greekanalyst.substack.com/p/greeces-brain-drain-finally-reversing
  57. https://www.ert.gr/etairia/press/ert2-spor-tiletheasi-rekor-eos-kai-59-simeiose-o-agonas-mpasket-olympiakou-pao/
  58. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/12/ert-greek-state-broadcaster-cultural-calamity
  59. https://vog.ert.gr/show/greeks-around-the-world/?lang=en
  60. https://www.thenationalherald.com/tnh-featured-in-ert-documentary-routes-of-the-greek-diaspora/
  61. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/10/30/life/entertainment/ertflix-goes-international-bringing-greece-to-the-world/
  62. https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/greece/about-greece/history-and-culture.html?page=5
  63. https://www.svgeurope.org/blog/news-roundup/relaunched-ert-chooses-globecast-to-reach-greek-diaspora/
  64. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2016/07/18/relaunched-ert-selects-globecast/
  65. https://vog.ert.gr/show/our-global-voice/?lang=en
  66. https://www.comart.gr/en/comart-analipsi-ergou-metafora-diethnous-simatos-ert/
  67. https://www.comart.gr/en/category/news-tips/news/
  68. https://govwatch.gr/en/finds/public-service-broadcasting-placed-under-the-control-of-the-prime-minister/
  69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330380892_Greek_ERT_State_or_Public_Service_Broadcaster
  70. https://govwatch.gr/en/finds/syriza-files-an-official-complaint-against-ert-the-greek-public-service-broadcaster-for-failing-to-broadcast-the-opposition-s-new-proposal-for-the-national-health-system/
  71. https://govwatch.gr/en/finds/peristatika-parapliroforisis-stin-ert-yper-kyvernitikoy-nomoschedioy/
  72. https://govwatch.gr/en/finds/ert-journalist-complains-of-censorship-in-the-public-broadcasting-service/
  73. https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/21077/1/Greek%2520ERT%2520State%2520or%2520Public%2520Service%2520Broadcaster.pdf
  74. https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2013/0612/Without-warning-Greece-shutters-its-public-broadcaster
  75. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-22861577
  76. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jun/12/eurozone-crisis-greece-ert-state-broadcaster
  77. https://www.mfa.gr/media/2024/12/20241211_%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A3%25CE%2591%25CE%2595_%25CE%25B1%25CE%25B3%25CE%25B3%25CE%25BB%25CE%25B9%25CE%25BA%25CE%25AC_-%25CE%25A4%25CE%2595%25CE%259B%25CE%2599%25CE%259A%25CE%259F-1.doc
  78. https://truthout.org/articles/greece-a-grave-situation-with-very-real-consequences/
  79. https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/21077/1/Greek%2520ERT%2520State%2520or%2520Public%2520Service%2520Broadcaster.pdf
  80. https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/78324/1/blogs.lse.ac.uk-The%2520struggle%2520over%2520the%2520Greek%2520national%2520broadcaster%2520a%2520debate%2520of%2520extremes.pdf
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