Interesting statement from RTÜK President Şahin: 'Programs that are penalized are watched more'

RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin made statements regarding television programs containing violence, noting that the problem cannot be solved through penalties. 

According to the report in the Türkiye newspaper, Şahin spoke at the meeting titled "Preventing Violence Against Women Through the Transformative Power of Culture, Art, and Media," organized by the Ministry of Family and Social Services.

I HAVE BEEN LABELED THE 'PUNITIVE PRESIDENT' 

Starting his speech by saying, "I am speaking not as the RTÜK President, but as a father of two children," Şahin addressed media executives and said:

"First of all, I invite all media executives to empathize. Please do not give in any further to the lust for ratings. Constant violence in daytime programs, constant violence in news programs... We all have a social responsibility. It is not right to broadcast so much violent content without filters during hours when children are in front of the screen."

'THEY ARE WATCHED MORE'

While emphasizing that imposing penalties on violent broadcasts is not a solution, Şahin stated that, contrary to expectations, these programs are watched more, and added:

"I have been labeled the 'punitive president,' and I no longer want to solve this with penalties. We issue penalties, but the programs that are penalized are watched more. As media executives, please be careful. Do not ignore social responsibility for the sake of ratings. If necessary, changes can be made to the rating system. We should discuss this with the relevant institutions and our esteemed minister."

RTÜK President Şahin stated that a change in the law is needed to prevent violent broadcasts, and continued his words as follows:

"We adopt these principles, but please adopt them as well. Issuing penalties is not the solution; at this point, we all need to take responsibility. With a small legislative proposal, the problem of pro-violence broadcasts can be completely solved. Is this what is wanted, friends?"

Şahin's statements have reignited debates on controlling violent content in the media. The RTÜK President's call aims to encourage media executives to take action against the pressure of ratings.