Government minister speak of mafias and Escobars who may end up with television licenses, Mr. Tsipras’ government partner personally attacked a candidate and relative of his while making insinuations of laundered money, the entire opposition from New Democracy to the Communist Party denounce the tender, yet Mr. Pappas – the State Minister in charge of the tender – is not concerned.
The majority of candidates may have cited objections and suggested the tender is a parody; however the government remains focused on its goal. This is none other than the control and manipulation of the media. With a coordinated strategy they set aside the National Council for Radio and Television (ESR), organized a highly problematic tender, decided on their own that only 4 licenses will be given and now they are trying to complete their work.
On account of vested interests they are trying to establish their own system to manipulate the media. Allergic as they are to anything they do not agree with, they are trying to gag any voices that do not submit to their logic and understanding. They are organizing an oligopoly in the media, in the belief that they will be able to manipulate public opinion, the people they have deceived.
Others have also attempted to control the flow of information in the past and failed. Even if they manage to gag any unpleasant media, their ‘success’ will be temporary. They will quickly realize that pluralism and diversity are basic democratic conquests that no authority can infringe upon. More so when technology offers endless opportunities in our times.
Mr. Tsipras, who is trying to develop his European profile by rushing to socialist gatherings, can find out first hand how to treat the media, how diversity is ensured, how to respond to criticism. Arrogance and totalitarian beliefs have never been good consultants to those in power. At lease in postwar Europe…
TO VIMA
