New Licensing Framework for Regional TV Channels in Public Consultation

A draft law introduced by Pavlos Marinakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, has been put into public consultation. It concerns the licensing of regional free-to-air digital television broadcasters.

Ending Decades of Legal Uncertainty

According to Marinakis:

• The bill aims to resolve a regulatory gap lasting nearly 30 years
• Regional TV stations have operated under a vague “legal operation” status without strict oversight
• The new framework introduces a complete and formal licensing system

Key Goals of the Reform

The proposed law seeks to:

• Establish clear rules and requirements for obtaining and maintaining licenses
• Improve the quality of content and services offered to viewers
• Increase transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the media sector
• Ensure systematic oversight and enforcement

Stricter Rules and Oversight

Licensed TV stations will be required to meet conditions such as:

• Tax and social security compliance
• Full transparency of ownership (disclosure of shareholders ≥1%)
• Clean criminal record checks
• Minimum staffing levels (journalists and other employees)
• Adequate infrastructure and technical equipment
• Complete and consistent programming

They must also:

• Maintain their declared content profile (informational or not)
• Follow strict rules on networking (to prevent hidden nationwide broadcasting)
• Comply with all broadcasting laws

Violations may lead to penalties up to license revocation.

No More Auction Model

The bill abolishes provisions of Law 4339/2015 and rejects the previous auction-based licensing system, where licenses went to the highest bidder.

Instead, licensing will be based on:

• Qualitative, objective criteria
• Not financial competition alone

Role of Regulatory Authorities

The National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV/ESR) will:

• Oversee the licensing process
• Monitor compliance

It will work alongside:

• The Ministry of Digital Governance
• The Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission for technical specifications

Additional Provisions

• All licensed channels will broadcast in high definition (HD)
• A small annual supervisory fee will be paid to the regulator
• Measures are included to protect jobs and create new employment opportunities
• Legal broadcasters will be shielded from unfair competition by unlicensed “ghost” stations

Government’s Position

Marinakis emphasized that the reform:

• Supports healthy, law-abiding media businesses
• Strengthens press freedom
• Moves away from restrictive practices of the past
• Ensures regional stations can better represent local communities

Public Consultation

The draft law will remain open for public feedback until: May 4, 2026

Bottom Line

This reform is presented as a major attempt to bring order, transparency, and professionalism to Greece’s regional TV landscape—replacing decades of loosely regulated operation with a structured and enforceable system.

Source: pagenews.gr