Economics

Greeks Protest Shut Down of State-Owned Television, Radio

Cash-strapped government shuttered broadcaster to save money

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not state-owned
Reason 24/7

Earlier this week, the cash-strapped government of Greece shut down its state television and radio broadcaster as a cost-cutting measure. Today, the Greeks are holding another general strike.

From CNN:

Greek workers rallied in central Athens on Thursday after unions called a general strike to protest the government's sudden decision to halt activities at the country's state broadcaster.

Thousands gathered outside the headquarters of the broadcaster, ERT, whose TV channels and radio services were pulled off the air overnight Tuesday to Wednesday.

Government officials are defending the decision as a necessary budget-cutting move as the country struggles with a debt mountain, soaring unemployment and a lengthy recession.

Also this week, Greece was downgraded from a developed country to an emerging market.

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