In his keynote speech, Mr Pantelis Kapsis, the Minister responsible for Public Radio and Television in Greece, provided his thoughts and plans with regard to the establishment of a new public service broadcaster in Greece. The minister also participated in a lively panel discussion addressing key success factors for an independent and sustainable PSM in Greece.

Following the dramatic events in Greece, the EBU commissioned a study on Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (freedom of expression) and whether there is an obligation for Member States to set up and/or maintain a public service broadcaster. The study was drafted by Prof. Walter Berka of Salzburg University and Prof. Hannes Tretter of Vienna University , both experts in human rights law. Prof. Tretter presented the first draft of the study, while Prof. Jürgen Schwarze of the University of Freiburg, Professor Lorna Woods, of the University of Essex and Mr. Dimitri Yernault of the Université Libre de Bruxelles gave extra insight from a European and constitutional law perspective. The panel generally agreed that the Convention gives existing public service broadcasters legal protection against State actions which are arbitrary or disproportionate, relative to legitimate aims a State may pursue.

Members discussed other key topics such as copyright and media convergence during the two-day session. It was also the first opportunity for the Legal and Public Affairs community to hear from Mr Guillaume Klossa, newly appointed Public Affairs and Communications Director, who gave an outline of his vision for strengthening awareness about the indispensable contribution of PSM to society. He said: “I have a deep conviction that in times of crisis and transformation without precedent, citizens need more than ever social, cultural, historical and political points of reference based on reliable, quality information. Public Service Media remain the only mass media which are truly capable to deliver this mission of general interest over time.”

The Assembly also offered the occasion to learn more about the VISION2020 project and to ask questions to the Project Manager, Mr Ruurd Bierman.