SBS Broadcasting in EU Complaint Against Greece Over Media Ownership Rules

Cleary Gottlieb is representing SBS Broadcasting in a complaint filed with the EC Commission against the Government of Greece over the government’s requirement that owners of radio and television stations in Greece must disclose the identity of all shareholders, including names of individual shareholders.  The Greek Government claims that such disclosure is necessary to ensure plurality and transparency in the media, as part of its fight against corruption.

SBS argues that the Greek rule violates the right of establishment and free movement provisions of the EC Treaty and requests that the Commission take interim measures against Greece.  As a listed company, SBS believes it cannot comply with the requirement and stands to lose its radio license in Greece.