RTÜK mandates broadcasting license for Cumhuriyet newspaper's YouTube account: A threat to independent journalism
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) imposed a requirement for a broadcasting license on the Cumhuriyet newspaper's YouTube channel during its final meeting of the year held on December 26.
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RTÜK member Necdet İpekyüz shared the decision with the public. According to İpekyüz, this decision, which marks the first time a YouTube account has been required to obtain a license in Turkey, represents a turning point. In accordance with the decision, if Cumhuriyet newspaper does not apply for a broadcasting license for its YouTube channel within 72 hours, the newspaper's YouTube channel will be blocked from access.
A THREAT TO INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM
This step, which paves the way for the YouTube platform—home to tens of thousands of broadcasters and millions of pieces of content—to come under RTÜK supervision, poses a major threat, especially to those practicing independent journalism.
It is stated that content falling under the supervision of the nine-member Board, the majority of whom are selected by the government, could be penalized if found to be in violation of broadcasting principles.
Following the license requirement imposed on Cumhuriyet newspaper, it drew attention that RTÜK targeted one of Turkey's most established newspapers instead of broadcasters earning millions of liras on YouTube. This situation has opened up the purpose of RTÜK's supervision on the platform to debate.
MLSA'S RTÜK REPORT: 60 MILLION LIRA IN FINES FOR CRITICISM OF THE GOVERNMENT IN ONE AND A HALF YEARS
According to the '30 Years of Censorship: RTÜK at 30' report recently published by MLSA, while RTÜK issued over 120 million liras in administrative fines in one and a half years, it imposed more than 60 million liras in fines on broadcasts that criticized the government.
The issue of RTÜK supervision of YouTube, which has been debated in the public eye for some time, seems likely to create serious pressure, especially on independent journalists broadcasting via this platform.
This step, aimed at bringing internet broadcasting under control, has brought with it a new wave of concern regarding freedom of the press and expression.