The Association of Greek Documentaries (Hellas Doc) conducted a press conference in Athens to address the pressing issue of diminishing cultural content on Greek public television, specifically following the transformation of the ERT2 channel into a sports-focused platform. The coalition's central demand emphasizes the necessity of reinstating Greek documentary films and cultural programming within the core offerings of public broadcasting, reflecting fears of cultural marginalization. Speakers at the conference included prominent figures in the documentary sector, such as President Fotini Oikonomopoulou, Vice President Marina Danesi, and Secretary Kyriakos Angelakos, each advocating for a return to a publicly accountable broadcasting system that serves the wider cultural needs of the community.

The press conference also highlighted detailed statistical data collected by Hellas Doc members, illustrating the impact of reduced cultural programming on both content creators and broader audiences. The data underscored a trend of decreased documentary presentations, raising concerns regarding future funding and support for cultural initiatives in Greece. This situation has garnered attention from various media outlets, including To Vima, which has previously reported on the shrinkage of cultural offerings in ERT, suggesting a growing public discourse around maintaining cultural representation in public media.

This initiative, dubbed "Culture Absent," signifies a continuing effort to engage stakeholders in discussions about the role of public television in showcasing local narratives and cultural heritage. The advocacy aligns with the cultural sector’s pushback against market-driven media trends, emphasizing the importance of a diverse media landscape where documentaries and educational programming can thrive, ultimately benefiting film professionals and the viewing public alike.