Two in three people believe that Greek TV stations exaggerate the level of violence in the country during their news shows, according to a poll released yesterday.

The survey, conducted by VPRC on behalf of Skai TV and Radio, found that only 22 percent of viewers believe TV stations accurately cover violent incidents.

The poll was carried out in the wake of allegations that a 16-year-old schoolgirl was raped by four classmates. The National Council for Radio and Television yesterday invited representatives of channels Ant-1, Mega, Alpha and Alter to explain their stations' coverage of the story.

«TV channels should be praised for their news shows, which uncovered the phenomenon of social racism, awakened social conscience and mobilized the political leadership,» said Alpha news presenter Nikos Hadzinikolaou before attending the watchdog's hearing.