ERT replaces BBC News with ERT Cosmos on Greek DTT
May 29, 2026 12.05 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Greece’s public broadcaster ERT has removed BBC News from national terrestrial television, replacing the English-language news channel with its own international service, ERT Cosmos.

The change took effect in early May and has reduced the number of foreign-based news services available free-to-air on standard television sets in Greece. Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that BBC News has been moved off ERT’s terrestrial multiplex and replaced by ERT Cosmos.

BBC News remains available in Greece through ERTFlix, satellite and pay-TV platforms, but its removal from DTT reduces easy access for expatriates, English-speaking residents and tourists using standard TV receivers.

ERT Cosmos is aimed primarily at the Greek diaspora and international audiences, with programming focused on Greece and Greek culture. Some content is available with English subtitles, though the service remains predominantly Greek-language.

A Change.org petition has since called for BBC News to be reinstated on Greek television, arguing that the channel provided “trusted and credible” international journalism and a wider global perspective for Greek viewers.

The reshuffle leaves TV5Monde and Cyprus’ RIK Sat among the few remaining foreign-based services on Greece’s terrestrial multiplexes.