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Javnost - The Public, Vol. 33 - 2026, No. 2
The Role of the Public in the Governance of Public Service Media–the Rise and Fall of the Citizens' Councils in Greece
The Hellenic public service broadcaster, ERT, represents a pivotal case in public service media (PSM) governance and citizen participation. In 2013, ERT was abruptly shut down by the Greek government amid the financial crisis, provoking public outcry and raising concerns about censorship and political interference. Following sustained public resistance, ERT was reinstated in 2015, introducing the Citizens’ Councils to institutionalise public participation, enhance transparency, and promote democratic engagement. Despite this formal mechanism, meaningful participation was limited by entrenched organisational cultures and ongoing political pressures. This case highlights the tensions between citizen involvement and institutional structures, particularly in politically and economically unstable contexts. Situated within broader European debates on media governance, the study argues that without cultural shifts embracing public engagement, mechanisms like the Citizens’ Councils remain insufficient to democratise PSM. The paper underscores structural and cultural barriers that continue to constrain public influence over media policy and practice.