Greece: One step closer to Eurovision with creation of NERIT

From today onwards Greeks will have to pay 3 euros monthly in additional tax, the income of which will cover the cost of a new state broadcaster NERIT. The move suggests that Greece, which is required to have a functioning state broadcaster in order to compete at Eurovision, is inching toward meeting all the requirements to go to Copenhagen.

You can review all the details of the Greek Eurovision saga here. The funny part of today’s news is that the citizens will now pay for a permanent (and hopefully independent) national broadcaster, even if they watch DT, the mediocre broadcaster that functions as a mouthpiece for the government. (As reported earlier, the EBU is not feeling DT at all).

It’s about time the new and official TV channel starts broadcasting, after a series of delays. In January the Greek EU presidency begins, and a national broadcaster is required by the EU.

The creation of NERIT has other implications, too–namely that DT may have reached a breakthrough in its discussions with the EBU. The fact is that DT/NERIT will become an EBU member. DT broadcast a classical music concert on New Year’s Day which was an EBU Eurovision product (in accordance with ORF). If DT is able to have access to such a program, it suggests it is about to rejoin the EBU.

If Greece is en route to Eurovision, then the only thing left is for Greece to find a representative in order to participate in the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest. We will get clarity in the coming days.

Billy Xifaras contributed this report from Greece. Follow him on Twitter at @bill_xifaras. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest Eurovision news and liking our Facebook page.