Greek state broadcaster ERT shutting down

Greece's government announced on Tuesday the immediate shutting down of national television and radio broadcaster Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) as of Wednesday. The move comes as part of austerity and reform measures to counter its debt crisis. ERT employed approximately 2,700 people. It is to reopen with fewer personnel. It broadcast three nationwide channels and an international one via satellite catering to the needs of Greeks living abroad. A further 28 nationwide and regional radio stations operated under ERT's umbrella. The national broadcaster was established in 1938, initially offering radio services. It temporarily paused broadcasting during the Second World War. Television broadcasts were launched in 1966. ERT was mainly funded by license fees paid by Greeks through electricity bills.