Have you ever felt the echoes of history whisper through concrete? Right here before us stands the Radiomegaro a formidable structure of Brutalist architecture. This imposing building the ERT Broadcasting House isn’t just a building. It’s a silent witness to pivotal moments in Greek history.
The Radiomegaro began its life in 1968. Construction started during the Greek military dictatorship. It was meant to house the National Radio Television Foundation EIRT. This later became the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation ERT. Completed in 1969 it was officially inaugurated in 1974. The building is a prime example of Brutalist architecture a style prevalent in many public buildings across Athens during that era.
Its imposing form has witnessed both jubilation and unrest. In 2013 following the controversial closure of ERT the Radiomegaro became the center of major protests. Redundant workers occupied the building. Large-scale demonstrations followed on June 11 September 11 and November 7. The November 7th protest ended with a forceful police intervention. The workers were evicted from the building.
Even the building’s sign has a story. The original ERT sign read “ELLINIKI RADIOFONIA TILEORASI” in Greek. White lettering stood out against a blue background. This original sign was removed in April 2014. A new sign for NERIT ERT’s successor was installed. It was all blue text no background a style that persists on the current ERT sign. Later the ‘N’ and ‘I’ were removed from NERIT on June 8 2015. This was after Alexis Tsipras decided to reinstate ERT. Three days later ERT was restored. NERIT was shut down at 6:00 EEST. Finally in November 2017 the full Greek spelling of ERT was put back on the Radiomegaro.
Beyond politics the Radiomegaro has played a significant role in shaping Greek cultural identity. It was a major player in the nation’s broadcasting history. The first Greek voice actors for ERT dubbed many cartoons. Maya the Honey Bee was their first project in 1979. Popular shows like The Smurfs which began airing in 1984 further cemented ERT’s place in the hearts of the Greek people.
So as we stand here before this imposing structure remember it’s more than just concrete and steel. The Radiomegaro the ERT Broadcasting House represents a significant chapter in modern Greece. It’s a story etched in its very architecture a story that continues to unfold.