Statement from Açık Radyo regarding RTÜK's license revocation decision

A statement has been issued by Açık Radyo following the decision by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) to revoke its license, after previously imposing a 5-day program suspension and a fine. In its statement, Açık Radyo reported that the decision had not yet been formally served, stating, "At this point, it is unacceptable that the revocation of Açık Radyo's broadcasting license has been reached based on a statement in the Açık Gazete program that is indisputably within the scope of freedom of expression and freedom of the press." The statement from Açık Radyo added, "Açık Radyo will continue its broadcasting life with the same responsibility and in line with the same universal journalistic principles from now on." 

The public announcement made by Açık Radyo is as follows:

Although it has not yet been formally served to us, it has been learned that at the meeting of the Radio and Television Supreme Council dated 03.07.2024, Açık Radyo's broadcasting license was revoked. A request for installment payment was made for the fine issued alongside the broadcast suspension, as permitted by the decision, and this was accepted and the first installment was paid. Thus, it is clear that we have no intention of resisting the law or opposing this decision outside of legal channels, and that we are trying to maintain a good-faith process. At this point, it is unacceptable that the revocation of Açık Radyo's broadcasting license has been reached based on a statement in the Açık Gazete program that is indisputably within the scope of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Legal applications regarding the aforementioned decision will, of course, be made. Furthermore, Açık Radyo, which has been broadcasting for 30 years, will continue its broadcasting life with the same responsibility and in line with the same universal journalistic principles from now on. We will continue to be with you, our dear listeners and friends who have always been by our side, with the same determination and the same feelings. 
"Açık Radyo to all the sounds, colors, and vibrations of the universe" 

WHAT HAPPENED?

On June 28, RTÜK had imposed an administrative fine of 189,282 TL at the upper limit and a five-program suspension on Açık Radyo for "inciting the public to hatred and hostility" due to the use of the phrase 'Armenian genocide'.

In the Açık Gazete program aired on April 24, the following statement was used: “It is the 109th anniversary of the deportations and massacres that took place on Ottoman lands, the massacres referred to as genocide. As you know, the commemoration was banned this year as well.” 

The radio management, which issued a statement regarding the penalty, had said, "It is clear that the aforementioned decision was made as a result of erroneous evaluations, and legal applications regarding the decision have been made, and developments regarding the aforementioned process will be shared with the public."

Today, RTÜK member İlhan Taşcı announced on his social media account that Açık Radyo's license had been revoked despite the radio station paying the fine.