According to reports from the Greek media, the current managing director of ERT, Yiannis Drosos, has stepped down from his position in the broadcaster. Specifically, he submitted his resignation to the responsible Deputy Prime Minister and State Representative, Stelios Petsas.
Changes in ERT’s administration
Following the recent legislative election in Greece, the government announced changes within several organizations in Greece. Those changes include the country’s public broadcaster, ERT. Furthermore, the managing director of the broadcaster resigned from his position, meanwhile the rest of the board will step down as well.
However, according to government sources, they did not request the resignations of the board members. On the contrary, it was asked for them to remain as members until their replacements are found.
ERT under PM supervision
Among the changes made in the government was the responsibility for the country’s public broadcaster. Following a presidential decree, ERT is no longer under the responsibility of the Ministry of Digital Policy. Instead, the broadcaster will now be directly under the supervision of the newly-assembled government and its Prime Minister.
“We have the tools in our hands, ERT, APE-MPA, a highly trained staff, here in the General Secretariat of Information, and a good mood for all to bring truly genuine information for the good of all Greeks. We have the Prime Minister’s confidence about it.”
Stelios Petsas, State Representative
In addition, a new board will be elected soon, reportedly before 9 August.
What does this mean for Eurovision?
With ERT being under direct supervision from the Prime Minister, what could that mean for the future of the country in the contest? Now that the broadcaster has stricter control from the government, it is possible that this will affect the country’s participation. Although last year’s sudden board change, as well as the ERT shut down in June 2013 did not affect the Greek participation, could this major change have more influence this time?
What do you think of the situation? Do you think these changes in the broadcaster will affect the Greek participation in Eurovision?
Let us know in the comment section below, or on all social media platforms @ESCXTRA.
