Employees of the state broadcaster ERT have accused the network's management of deliberately downplaying the massive protests demanding justice for the Tempe train disaster. They stated, "We distance ourselves from these disgraceful tactics that tarnish the public broadcaster and demand that ERT fulfill its duty to inform without external influence or government interference."

“The attack on journalism was premeditated. The plan to cover such a massive gathering by a channel that is supposed to provide continuous news included only one television crew and one reporter,” the ERT employees emphasized.

They mention that the largest demonstration in years was only briefly mentioned during the noon news broadcast, 37 minutes after it began, with no footage from the scene.

The employees argue that despite thousands of citizens across Athens, other Greek cities, and abroad demanding justice for the 57 victims of the Tempe train disaster through peaceful protests, ERT’s news department reportedly minimized their voices reporting the news in a dismissive manner that could no longer be ignored.

In response, ERT management defended its coverage, asserting that it adhered to ethical standards and provided accurate, reliable reporting on the protests. They dismissed the employees’ claims as a distortion of reality, stating that ERT’s mission is not to serve political agendas but to provide professional and thorough journalism. They reaffirmed their commitment to journalistic ethics and to serving the Greek public without influence from any external interests.

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