IAMCR President, Janet Wasko, sent a letter to Antonis Samaras, Prime Minister of Greece, regarding the sudden closure of the public service broadcaster, ERT. In her letter she underlined the importance of public service media in democratic societies and urged the prime minister to "immediately reverse this decision, allowing Greek and other affected citizens living in the country and abroad to receive independent and quality information in this important period in Greek history."
Antonis Samaras, Prime Minister
Athens, Greece
Dear Prime Minister,
The International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) joins the European Broadcasting Union and other organizations around the world in vehemently protesting the closing of the Greek Public Service Broadcaster (ERT).
As media and communication researchers, we are well aware of the fundamental importance of public service media for democratic societies and the need for media systems to be independent from government. Decisions about public media should be made by the public – through open debate as a democratic process.
We urge you to immediately reverse this decision, allowing Greek and other affected citizens living in the country and abroad to receive independent and quality information in this important period in Greek history.
Janet Wasko, President
On behalf of the Executive Board and International Council of the International Association for Media and Communication Research - IAMCR