Advanced Television

Greece shortlists TV applicants

August 11, 2016

By Chris Forrester

Greece has announced its final shortlist of seven private would-be broadcasters. The Greek government has been running a tendering process for just four 10-year licences.

But already there’s exceptional controversy in that MEGA TV, one of the nation’s favourite broadcasters, has not made the final roster. Mega has been involved for some months in a very public feud with the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. It hasn’t helped that MEGA has been alleged of being in financial difficulties, and is reportedly behind in staff salary payments.

Many of the stations are already on air, and in some cases for up to 20 years, but without formal licences. The bidding process was set at a starting level of €3 million.

The government has made no secret that it wants to regularise broadcasting, and start eliminating so-called ‘under the table’ deals between various influential Greeks, bankers and – of course – politicians.

The seven contenders that are going forward to the next stage of the competition are SKAI SA, NTV Nea Tileorasi, Antenna TV, Alpha Satellite Television S.A., Ioannis-Vladimiros H. Kalogritsas, E TV and Alter Ego.

The finalists will be announced towards the end of August.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTT/DSO