Photo source: Greek Parliament Press Office
A controversial Culture Ministry bill that initially required hotels, casinos, ports, and airports across the country to play a certain percentage of Greek-language songs in public areas was passed by majority vote in parliament this week with revisions.
The changed rules include the exemption of hotels, tourism enterprises, and radio stations from a 40 percent Greek music quota – initially 45 percent – after Greek hoteliers reacted.
Instead, hotels and tourism facilities will be required to play 40 percent Greek-language music in reception areas and elevators only provided they decide to play music in these areas.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni clarified that the choice of music played in hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and other areas is up to the business owners.
“The intention to protect Greek-language music cannot be done at the expense of the freedom to exercise professional activity, which is constitutionally protected,” she said after the parliamentary session this week.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni (archive photo).
“We are not requiring any sector to broadcast Greek-language songs. To the contrary, we are providing incentives to radio stations to increase the broadcast of Greek music because this is what they said was important,” said Mendoni.
The 40 percent quota applies only to parking spaces, halls, lounge areas, public spaces in shopping centers (not inside shops), arrival and departure areas of public transport, rail stations, and airports only in cases these choose to play music.
When first announced, the bill triggered an angered reaction from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX), the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association, and the Greek film industry.
It should be reminded that hotels and enterprises will be required to pay royalties to collection agencies for the reproduction of Greek-language music.
Referring to the new law titled “Measures for the Preservation and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Protection and Enhancement of Greek-Language Song, and of Recordings by New Creators or Artists, as well as the Protection and Dissemination of the Greek Language”, Mendoni said it provided clear legislation for a series of culture ministry issues which concern intangible cultural heritage.
Lastly, the minister rejected criticism and comments regarding the music quota noting that during the bill’s open consultation, culture and arts groups as well as collective rights agencies representing hundreds of Greek creators and performers said it was “a historic intervention and initiative”.
Under the law, the 40 percent Greek-language song quota requirement also applies to television and audiovisual productions that have received state funding.
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