New move from RTÜK for daytime programs: Those topics are now banned

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has set new ethical principles for daytime programs, imposing strict rules on the broadcasting of such content. 

In a statement from RTÜK, it was noted that the "Broadcasting Ethical Principles for Daytime Programs were accepted unanimously," and it was stated that heavy sanctions would be applied to broadcasts that do not comply with the rules.

In RTÜK's statement, attention was drawn to the importance of the principle of respect for the privacy of private life, and it was stated that "information, documents, and records regarding the private lives of individuals will strictly not be broadcast." Furthermore, it was announced that comments and expressions containing psychological violence directed at participants by program hosts and expert guests would not be accepted.

COMPLIANCE WITH SOCIAL VALUES AND USE OF SLANG BANNED

In the statement, which emphasized that broadcast content should not be contrary to national and spiritual values, general morality, and the protection of the family, it was stated that behaviors that would not be accepted in social living spaces would not be included. It was reported that the use of low-level, coarse, and slang language in Turkish would not be permitted, regardless of whether the broadcast is live or recorded.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH UNDER PROTECTION

RTÜK announced that children, young people, and individuals with mental disabilities will not be taken as guests in the studio or on live broadcasts in daytime programs. It was noted that accusatory and judgmental expressions, as well as abuse, should be avoided in content targeting these groups.

In line with the new ethical principles, it was stated that broadcasts that legitimize or mitigate topics such as sexual harassment and rape would not be permitted.

While it was stated that strict measures would be taken against content that encourages or normalizes violence against women, it was announced that broadcasts contrary to the Ethical Principles Regarding Combating Violence Against Women in the Media would not be made.

RTÜK also stated that the presentation of violent topics in an encouraging and desensitizing manner would be prevented, and that broadcasts normalizing violence would be banned. It was reported that incidents currently under investigation would not be made the subject of programs.

INDIVIDUALS' HONOR AND REPUTATION WILL BE PROTECTED

RTÜK stated that in order to protect the honor and reputation of individuals, care will be taken not to bring the same topic to the agenda repeatedly. It was stated that the decisions taken aim to prevent ethical violations in daytime programs and to ensure that broadcasts are made in accordance with the values of society.