Deutsche Welle keeps Greek service as ESIEA welcomes reversal
The decision to reverse plans to close Deutsche Welle's Greek-language service has been welcomed by the Journalists' Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA), following an announcement that the broadcaster will continue its Greek-language operations beyond January 2027.
ESIEA President Maria Antoniadou welcomed the decision during a reception hosted by German Ambassador Andreas Kindl at the union's library on Thursday.
Antoniadou stressed the importance of protecting cultural and linguistic diversity, referring to Pope Benedict XVI's warning against cultural homogenisation.
She said culture extends beyond language to include political culture, areas in which Deutsche Welle's Greek-language service has played an important role.
She also praised the broadcaster for not allowing purely financial considerations to determine the future of the service and thanked the thousands of journalists who signed statements of support, as well as those who led the campaign to prevent its closure.
DW highlights need for stable funding
Deutsche Welle Director General Barbara Massing welcomed the continuation of the service but emphasized the need for a stable budget in the coming years.
She said restructuring measures would help the broadcaster operate more efficiently while potentially creating opportunities for new initiatives.
Massing also highlighted a workshop held at the ESIEA building, bringing together Deutsche Welle colleagues from Greece, Cyprus and Türkiye to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation.
"The most important and wonderful thing for me is that today, in this magnificent historic building, a workshop took place with DW colleagues from Greece, Cyprus and Türkiye, who discussed areas in which they can work together," she said.
She stressed the importance of combining expertise from different countries and regions to broaden perspectives and strengthen cooperation.
Massing thanked those who supported the broadcaster's work and expressed hope that the decision would further strengthen relations between Greece and Germany. She also acknowledged the contribution of Dimitra Kyranoudi, head of Deutsche Welle's Greek-language service.
Political and media representatives attend reception
The event, organized following ESIEA's efforts to secure the continuation of the service, was attended by President of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, New Democracy MP Sofia Voultepsi, representatives of various organizations and members of the journalistic community.
The decision marks a significant development for Greek-language international broadcasting, ensuring that Deutsche Welle will continue providing news and analysis to Greek-speaking audiences beyond the previously planned closure date.
Source:AMNA
