Greek TV manager sacked for ‘Turkish propaganda’

ATHENS

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The general manager of Greek state-run TV channel ERT was fired by the management board of ERT for violating procedures after he aired a documentary focused on the effects of Turkish serials on society.

The board accused Kostas Spyropoulos of creating Turkish propaganda by airing the documentary “Kısmet” and denied claims “the documentary was reflecting the truth about Turkish serials,” Spyropoulos told Turkey’s Anatolia news agency.

ERT issued a written statement Dec. 14 that said the negative atmosphere in the company also was among the reasons behind the board’s decision, which was approved by six out of seven members.
Turkish series such as “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” (Magnificent Century), “Sıla,” “Asi,” “Acı Hayat” (Bitter Life), “Deniz Yıldızı” (Starfish) and “Lale Devri” (Tulip Age) are among those shown in Greece that drew great attention from the country, but also raised the eyebrows of nationalist segments of Greek society.
Thessaloniki Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos told his followers Sept. 17 that Greeks who watch the smash Turkish TV hit “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” are “surrendering” to the Turks. The ultra-nationalist Neo-Nazi Golden Dawn (Xrusi Avgi) also called on Greek government to ban the broadcasting of Turkish serials in Greece.

“Muhteşem Yüzyıl,” a popular TV series following the lives of the Ottoman ruler Süleyman and his love, Hürrem Sultan, also received criticism in Turkey for its portrayal of the Ottoman ruler. “Those who toy with these values should be taught a lesson within the premises of law,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said late last month.