The closure of the Greek public broadcaster ERT was a pivotal moment in the country's struggle with economic austerity and governmental control over media. On June 11, 2013, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras announced the immediate shutdown of ERT, citing the need to reduce public spending and streamline operations amid severe economic downturn. This decision led to the firing of thousands of employees and prompted widespread protests from unions and supporters of public broadcasting, who argued that it threatened media plurality and access to information. ERT’s closure sparked significant demonstrations across Greece, with advocates calling for the preservation of independent public media in the face of austerity policies.Despite the government's justification of the shutdown as a necessary step for reform, many citizens viewed it as an attack on democracy and freedom of expression. The protests highlighted the deepening discontent with austerity measures imposed by international creditors, and the implications for civil liberties amidst ongoing economic crises. The resistance against the abrupt closure of ERT began to consolidate public sentiment around the non-negotiable need for free and independent journalism in Greece.After two years of absence, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced the reopening of ERT on June 11, 2015. This move was seen as a restoration of public broadcasting and an acknowledgment of the public's demand for transparency and accountability in government communications. The reopening marked a significant realignment in the political landscape, emphasizing a more progressive approach to media and governance.