The leftist Greek government on Tuesday remained steadfast in its decision to allow only four nationwide television broadcast licenses in the country, while again pointing to a controversial study it commissioned for citing the specific number.
In a written response issued by a relevant body called the general secretariat for information and communication, the government said the number of licenses issued for the specific terrestrial digital category cannot change, as it was determined in a bill passed last February by the government majority, “and especially amid the ongoing tender process.”
The Tsipras government commissioned a study with a sole research unit at a European tertiary institute, in the case in Florence, Italy, to back up its current position.
Critics, including the opposition, have vociferously charged that the Greek government is attempting to cap the number of such licenses, and pick the business interests that will win the four licenses. Currently, more than four such nationwide broadcasters operate, meaning that if the tender proceeds, stations will close.
