The barometer for Greek media is the title of analysis based on a self -assessment tool developed by the German Political Foundation Friedrich Embert. The results are not good. But why? In the shadow of yet another rally for the Railway in Tempi with a pandemic demand for justice, it was organized in Technopolis in Gazi in Athens a few days ago on the presentation of the results of a domestic analysis of the media landscape. The event was organized by the German Foundation Friedrich-Ebert, which was founded in 1925 and is affiliated with the Social Democratic Party. It is the oldest political institution and was named after the first President of the Weimar Republic, Friedrich Embert.

But because a German political institution wanted to do such a research in Greece, we asked Chief Regine Subert, who took over her new duties in Athens in August 2024, and speaking to Deutsche Welle replied: “This is something we do in many countries. Worldwide. And we have seen that Greece usually has very low performance in the usual research on the state of freedom of the press. We have developed a special methodology, our media barometer, which enables us to get more accurate answers. And this is very important to us because we want to help identify problems in the field of freedom of the press and develop methods or opportunities to address these problems in Greece with our partners from their respective countries. “

A method of self -assessment

In essence, this is a method of self -assessment, which results from thorough discussions and answers to a particular questionnaire. Eight acclaimed journalists and representatives of civil society, representing a wide range of views, have argued to participate in an all -day discussion by evaluating anonymous indicators on freedom of the press, the results of which were published in March.

Experts have been recognized that the legislative framework and the Constitution in Greece guarantee freedom of the press, but it is in the daily practice. Fotini Kokkinakis, a journalist, coordinator and curator of the exhibition, speaking to Deutsche Welle, pointed out that: “As media workers we see that we are at a very problematic spot. There is a suffocating landscape in the media in Greece, but at the same time the dimension remains that we have begun to perceive problems as workers, but society also perceives them and urges us to change. We are at the turning point we want to change. “

In addition to Ms. Fotini Kokkinakis, the presentation panel was attended by journalist Danai Maragoudakis from the Solomon research network and Vassilis Thanopoulos, editor -in -chief of Antivirus magazine. Ms Maragoudakis focused mainly on the problem of the ownership of the media. There is a strong relationship between oligarchs, sports, media and other business activities with specific financial interests that make it difficult for seamless and objective information.

It was also highlighted by the public – which were also largely journalists – the important role of journalists’ self -censorship. That is, the journalist of an instrument will not affect the interests of his employer, in fear of dismissal. Still, unethical usual practices were highlighted. For example, how does a journalist work at the press office of a ministry while writing about related issues of the ministry? How will he control power? It probably won’t control it … Still, low wages, labor precision – many journalists have to do two or three jobs to live – often very abusive environments with a lack of tolerance in diversity are also quality characteristics that contribute to the creation of a very problematic workplace.

The media barometer

Vassilis Thanopoulos, editor -in -chief of Antivirus magazine, who deals with issues that concern the LGBTKI community, speaking to Deutsche Welle explains what he wants to keep from this research: “I think the most important are the efforts that record the experiences of the media. Because this is the only way we can understand, have a clear picture of what is really going on and what are the problems. Unfortunately, what the barometer records are not too optimistic. And I, as a man I belong to in civil society, would very much like to emphasize the huge issue of lack of inclusion in what we call journalism and media in Greece. “

There are still many issues and problems that plague the field of journalism, such as state advertising, where and to whom it is given. However, steps can be taken to improve the situation. For example, the role of the National Broadcasting Council should become more independent and not defined by the government in order to be able to substantially control the media. Experts are still suggesting the possibility of post -journalists’ training, protecting them in the work environment from political discrimination and abusive behaviors. Finally, transparency in the operation of the media and their ownership status plays a decisive role.

The barometer offers an important tool for finding out the problems and causes that cause them. They are now left over. Self -assessment is a first essential step, but it is not enough. The proper functioning of the media is a basic index of democracy.