RTÜK issues NATO Summit warning to media following detentions! 'All broadcast streams...'

Following a second wave of detentions, which included journalists, ahead of the NATO Summit, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has issued a written statement to broadcasting organizations. The statement noted that broadcasts during the summit process are being meticulously monitored by RTÜK experts, and requested that public interest and a "national security perspective" be observed in news and discussion programs.

STATEMENT REGARDING BROADCASTS AHEAD OF THE SUMMIT

RTÜK stated that Ankara will host an important international diplomatic meeting on July 7-8, noting that the NATO Summit will highlight Turkey's role within NATO, its diplomatic effectiveness, and its regional deterrence.

The statement recorded that it is of great importance for broadcasting organizations to observe public interest and a "national security perspective" in their news and discussion programs during this process, where global security and diplomacy topics are at the forefront. It was stated that broadcasts are expected to be prepared based on verified information, in a measured manner, with consideration for social sensitivities, and with an approach free from disinformation.

RTÜK also stated that the balance between freedom of expression and broadcasting responsibility is taken as a basis, and reported that all broadcast streams are being meticulously monitored by Monitoring and Evaluation Experts in accordance with the importance of the summit.

The full text of RTÜK's statement is as follows:

"TO THE PUBLIC AND OUR BROADCASTING ORGANIZATIONS

On July 7-8, Ankara will host an important international diplomatic meeting where our country will contribute to regional and global peace. This summit, which will once again highlight Turkey's key role within NATO, its diplomatic effectiveness, and its regional deterrence, is an important process in which we will showcase the dignity of our state and the hospitality of our noble nation on the international stage.

In this critical period, where global security and diplomacy topics are intensifying, it is of great importance that our broadcasting organizations observe public interest and our national security perspective in their news and discussion programs. Our fundamental expectation is that broadcasts be conducted based on verified information, in a measured manner, with consideration for social sensitivities, and with an approach free from disinformation.

As the Radio and Television Supreme Council, we take the balance between freedom of expression and broadcasting responsibility as our basis; we importantly remind you that all broadcast streams are being monitored with meticulousness appropriate to the importance of the summit by our Monitoring and Evaluation Experts.

We believe that our broadcasting organizations will act with professional ethics befitting our country's international position, and we wish all our media members success in their duties.

Respectfully announced to the public."