Market Structure and Innovation Policies in Greece

Abstract

The Greek news media markets show a dual market structure. They experience an increase in the level of concentration but also an increase in the number of news media companies. Many of these new entrants in the broadcast industry operate without a license. This chapter also shows that the news media industry was hit very hard during the recent economic crisis. Many companies had to close down and the scarcity of funding of activities increased. Many media companies focused on the reduction of costs instead of improving quality or stimulating innovation. Although, the Greek government had a strong presence and influence on the media landscape, it did not develop a regulatory framework. Nowadays, despite the existence of rules supporting the development of large media companies, the news media markets are still experiencing fierce competition, are highly concentrated and offering low-level of content quality and technological innovations. The Greek media are following approaches and methods from abroad even without the necessary adaptations or a proper plan for implementation and modifications.