Tender for TV licenses to be unveiled next month

The terms of the tender for new broadcasting licenses is to be put to public consultation in about two weeks, according to State Minister Nikos Pappas, who is overseeing the process.

The government is going to make available only four permits for national TV stations on the digital network, prompting criticism that it is trying to exercise control over the media.

Speaking at an event in Athens on Wednesday night, though, Pappas said the coalition’s aim is to stamp out the entangled interests that connect the media and the political system.

“We want to see economically sustainable groups because if they are not sustainable this creates financial holes and increased borrowing, putting pressure on the political system to influence the banks,” said Pappas. “This is where the root of the interdependence between the political system, the banking sector and the TV stations lies.”

The event was disrupted by members of anti-austerity parties Popular Unity and Antarsya, which led to the riot police intervening and making use of pepper spray.

SYRIZA accused the protesters of engaging in “actions that are not part of leftist ideology.”