RTÜK issues a 'smile' fine this time

Tuncay Keser, who was elected to the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) from the Republican People's Party (CHP) quota, announced that RTÜK has imposed an administrative fine on Halk TV due to a "smile."

In a statement on his social media account, Keser noted that comments made by Cem Toker on a program broadcast on Halk TV, asking "Is Bahçeli even taken that seriously in Turkish politics?" regarding MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, were evaluated on the grounds that they exceeded the limits of criticism.

THE SMILE FINE

Keser explained that despite program presenter Sinem Fıstıkoğlu's intervention, saying "He is taken seriously, sir; since he is a partner in a legitimate government, what he says concerns us, of course," her smile was interpreted as supporting Cem Toker's words, resulting in a 3 percent administrative fine being imposed on Halk TV.

Keser also stated that at the same meeting, approval was given for a provocative promotional film prepared for an anti-LGBTI+ march to be organized by the Istanbul Family Foundation in Saraçhane to be broadcast for free on television as a public service announcement, after certain parts were removed. Stating that he opposed both decisions, Keser criticized these practices.

SEMİH YALÇIN HAD TARGETED THEM

MHP Deputy Chairman Semih Yalçın had targeted the program in question and Halk TV, criticizing presenter Sinem Fıstıkoğlu with sexist remarks.