© Photo Credit: Stefano Santucci

The EBU's rapid and resolute condemnation of the Greek Government's closure of public service broadcaster ERT demonstrated "the organization's solid commitment to help Members strike back against unacceptable financial and political pressures".

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre made the comments in a speech to senior public service media executives attending today's opening session  of the EBU's 70th General Assembly, in Malta.

Ms Deltenre said for the EBU to fulfil its mission to make PSM indispensable, its priority must be its Community.   

"Yes, our mission is to make PSM indispensable, and the only way we can do that is to make sure we are indispensable to you," Ms Deltenre said. "We have to do what no one else can do. No other organization, no broadcaster singly or in small groups, nobody. We have to be unique, we have to be relevant, and we have to be cost-effective."

Ms Deltenre likened the closure of ERT on 11 June to the "silencing of democracy", echoing sentiments previously expressed by EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot.  

"This was an unacceptable and violent assault on democratic debate, and we said so loud and clear," Ms Deltenre said. "As for the outcome, we have seen what we can achieve when we pull together, and pull hard. The experience of ERT is an extreme example of the political and financial pressure on us. We reacted strongly since we were afraid that this could eventually happen in other countries. The very positive outcome is that the public, the international media, and the European Union ALL reacted strongly in support of ERT. Let this be a warning to other Governments that might have similar ideas!"