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The government of SYRIZA and Independent Greeks has introduced a bill on the operation of private televisions, which will be open for one-month long public discussion. The bill has been submitted by three ministers of SYRIZA, namely State Minister Nikos Papas, Minister of Economy George Stathakis and Deputy Minister of Transport and Telecommunications Christos Spirtzis.
    They propose the licence cost of a news channel to be 8 million euro, of a thematic channel 5 million euro and of an entertainment channel 2 million euro. The bill provides for the licences to be valid for 10 years.
    According to those who have submitted the bill, a private news channel should employ at least 400 people, a thematic channel 200 people and an entertainment channel 50 people whereas the regional television stations could operate with 20 employees.
    The bill also gives guidance on the content of the TV programme. News channels are required to broadcast 24 hours a day, regional channels 18 hours, and entertainment and thematic channels 12 hours.
    According to the three ministers of SYRIZA, a private news television should have regular original daily newscasts with duration of at least one hour. It should also broadcast at least 10 hours of talk shows about theatre and culture per month, at least 4 shows of the following categories: news and events of present interest, entertainment shows such as TV games, realities, Greek series, foreign series, children's programmes, documentaries, sports programmes, their duration being at least 10 hours a month.
    The bill contains requirements to the equipment with which a private television will operate as well as to the building that will house it. The identity of the shareholders of each company owning the private television must be public, whether they are individual or legal persons.