Mr. Anastasios Chatzitheofanous, President and Founder of BCI Media Group, recently, on his personal Facebook account, expressed his frustration regarding a television program that featured his hometown, Xanthi, Greece. The show, “Όπου Υπάρχει Ελλάδα” (“Where Greece Exists”), which aired on the SKAI channel, was dedicated to Xanthi but, according to Mr. Chatzitheofanous, failed to represent the city itself adequately. Instead, the program focused almost exclusively on the Pomak villages, neglecting the rich cultural and historical identity of Xanthi.
In his heartfelt commentary, Mr. Chatzitheofanous emphasized that Xanthi boasts a wealth of attractions that deserve recognition. These include its long-standing tobacco history, the famous Xanthi Carnival and the picturesque old town with its remarkable architecture. He believes the show’s producers, perhaps uninformed, missed the opportunity to highlight these vital elements that make Xanthi unique.
He passionately argued that no one has the right to diminish the beauty of his city. Xanthi, he said, is a city of “a thousand colors,” filled with unique charm and a vast history that deserves to be showcased with respect and dignity. His remarks serve as a call for more accurate and respectful media portrayals that honor the full cultural richness of Xanthi rather than limiting its identity to only one part of its diverse community.
This perspective invites viewers and media producers alike to appreciate not just isolated aspects but the broad and vibrant spirit that defines Xanthi.