Athens Station Shutdown Over “Offensive Language”

In a move rare by European standards, the Athens Television and Radio Council (ESR) ordered closed popular, alternative music station Best FM

“All hell broke loose,” said one observer as Athens broadcasters – and the public – tried to sort out what happened and why.

The offense in question took place August 25th and involved show host Dimitris Psarianos who, by all accounts, pushes the limits of good taste “all the time”. The regulator took offense at the language used in comments on sex, money and power and the Greek Orthodox Church. Stations manager Lina Vasilopoulou was called before the ESR on September 20th to explain.

An ESR spokesperson said the decision to revoke Best FM’s license was unanimous, a claim disputed by observers. One member who recently left the council – but whos’ replacement has yet to take the seat - said he did not vote for the decision. Another council member expressed confusion, telling local media he thought he was voting against a television station, also called Beat, which is known for “adult” programming. All observers suggest the ESR has been looking for a opportunity to “send a message” to broadcasters, particularly television channels with investigative journalists.

The seven member ESR was created in 1989 when the Greek broadcasting sector was liberalized. The governing party appoints three members and the president, with minority parties appointing the other three.

Former parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis spoke on television Wednesday night, defending the ESR decision. Kaklamanis has often raised “Greek media barons” as a political issue. Best FM is owned by Antonis Liberis, publisher of Greek editions of Glamour and Vogue.

Best FM sources said the station will follow all possible judicial appeals to overturn what it called “official censorship.” For now, the station remains on the air.

Editors note: ftm gratefully acknowledges ftm Media Sleuths contribution to this story. - Michael Hedges November 5, 2005

Keywords:broadcasting in Greece, offensive language

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