The Greek government will table a draft bill to parliament on Monday regarding the reopening of former public broadcaster ERT. The bill will include provisions for the return of employees laid off in 2013, when the New Democracy-led coalition government shut it down, and a smooth transition back to ERT from NERIT that replaced it. It will also include an audit of NERIT. Greece’s government said the new state TV will be competitive and will operate based on its true mission, which is to inform, educate and entertain the public. ERT will be truly independent from any public or private interests, ensuring polyphony, independent information and high quality content. The broadcaster’s funding will derive from the fee collected through electricity utility bills for public television and will not burden the state budget, the government added. It will be run by a seven-member board of directors, two of which will be representatives of the employees. The bill will also include provisions abolishing benefits and privileges. (source: ana-mpa)