Greece's media market spans national terrestrial networks, strong regional broadcasters, a dynamic newspaper sector, and booming digital channels. Public broadcaster ERT, private groups (Skai, Antenna, Star Channel, Alpha, Mega TV), and publishers such as Kathimerini, Proto Thema, and DPG Media content studio drive national narratives. High smartphone adoption and diaspora audiences also influence campaign planning and cross-border monitoring requirements.
ERT operates nationwide TV (ERT1, ERT2, ERT3) and radio networks, financed via state budget and the public service remit. Private broadcasters Antenna TV, Skai TV, Star Channel, Alpha TV, and Mega Channel provide prime-time entertainment, news, and live sport. Media conglomerates combine broadcast, print, and digital portfolios, including Niarchos-owned ERT, Skai Group (Alafouzos), ANT1 Group (Kyriakou), and Alter Ego Media (Vangelis Marinakis).
The National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV) grants licences, enforces content standards, and supervises advertising, while the Hellenic Communications & Post Commission (EETT) handles telecom regulation. Greece aligns with the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive, the Digital Services Act, and the European Media Freedom Act, emphasising transparency around ownership, political advertising, and disinformation. Media literacy campaigns operate through the Ministry of Digital Governance and the National Centre for Audiovisual Media and Communication (EKOME).
Broadband penetration exceeds 88 percent, and smartphone usage continues to soar with 5G rollouts across urban centres. Streaming platforms such as ANT1+ and Nova On, along with global services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video), complement IPTV and satellite offerings. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are central to influencer marketing and news consumption, particularly among younger demographics.
Publishers expand subscription bundles, podcasts, and newsletters, while media groups integrate data-driven ad products and branded content studios. E-commerce, tourism, and shipping sectors rely on omnichannel campaigns across TV, radio, outdoor, and digital to reach domestic and diaspora communities.
Television remains the dominant medium, with average daily viewing around 4 hours among adults and peak audiences during news, Greek drama, and reality formats. Radio continues to reach more than half the population weekly, especially commuters in Athens and Thessaloniki. Print readership has declined yet Sunday papers and regional editions still influence public discourse and political narratives.
Sports coverage, particularly football and basketball, drives strong linear audiences across Super League, EuroLeague, and Champions League rights. Public broadcasters provide cultural content, while private networks invest heavily in local productions and imported formats to maintain ratings.
An estimated 7.3 million social media users rely on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for video and news, while TikTok and Twitter amplify real-time conversations. Streaming and OTT adoption has grown through Greek originals and diaspora targeting, while podcasts and on-demand audio gain traction via platforms such as Pod.gr and Spotify.
Publishers harness newsletters, live blogs, and mobile alerts to combat news avoidance and misinformation. Brands use influencer campaigns, live shopping, and tourism-driven storytelling to reach Greek consumers and international visitors.
| Indicator | Value | Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Internet penetration | 88% | Eurostat data for households with broadband access. |
| Social media users | 7.3 million | Approximately 67% of the population (DataReportal 2024). |
| Daily TV viewing | ~240 minutes | Audiotex Nielsen audience measurements. |
| Digital ad share | 50% | IAB Hellas trends show steady shift from print/OOH. |
| Media revenue | EUR 1.4 billion | PWC Outlook forecasts moderate growth through 2028. |
Reuters Institute reports 19 percent of Greek respondents trust most news most of the time, one of the lowest levels in the EU. Established outlets including Kathimerini, Proto Thema, and Skai News score higher than social platforms, yet public scepticism remains significant due to political polarisation and economic pressures.
Fact-checking organisations such as Ellinika Hoaxes, along with NCRTV and EKOME initiatives, combat misinformation and improve transparency. Media literacy programmes in schools and civic workshops encourage responsible information sharing and highlight newsroom best practices.
Greek audiences gravitate toward drama series, reality competitions, sport, and news talk shows across linear and streaming platforms. Podcasts covering politics, culture, and business gain market share, while music streaming and influencer-led content thrive among younger demographics.
Tourism seasonality shapes advertising spend, prompting brands to coordinate TV, radio, digital out-of-home, and social campaigns. Diaspora viewers access content via IPTV and satellite services, emphasising the need for multilingual monitoring across time zones.