It’s logical that Greek production can’t sustain over 40 series for a second consecutive year. This isn’t just due to the significant funding cuts from the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication (EKOME), but also market logic balancing supply and demand. With a shrinking TV audience, lackluster advertising interest, and irrational programming strategies, it’s time to bring order to the TV landscape.
Series will be cut by half compared to the current season, live entertainment shows will also see reductions, and salaries of presenters and collaborators will be capped as per an agreement among three major stations.
Departures
Eleni Menegaki has ended her collaboration with MEGA after three years due to financial discrepancies. Nikos Moutsinas failed to reach an agreement with ALPHA after lengthy negotiations, and Tatiana Stefanidou’s contract with ALPHA wasn’t renewed as funds shifted to more lucrative evening slots.
SKAI is shifting from high-cost live shows and dramas, opting for news magazines and other cost-effective programs. Productions will now be filmed in Turkey, saving on budget.
Other networks, like OPEN and MEGA, are also cutting back on production and costs. STAR, for instance, has dropped “Greece’s Next Top Model” in favor of more affordable shows.
Channels have informally agreed to reduce salaries and production costs across the board. This includes significant cuts in drama series and musical shows, with some productions moving to Turkey to save costs.
MEGA plans a more focused lineup, with established teams leading fewer productions. ALPHA is restarting with a new, lower-budget series, and overall, the salaries of top actors will be reduced by around 40%. Popular game shows will continue, being both audience favorites and economically viable.
