Statement from RTÜK President Şahin on Ziraat Turkish Cup and ratings

In a post on his social media account, RTÜK President Şahin said, "We congratulate the Galatasaray Sports Club for their performance and success in the derby.

On the other hand, the 'boycott' call made by the CHP Chairman before the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derby is a manipulative approach directed not only at football fans but also at the sports economy and the broadcasting sector, and it is completely contrary to the values of friendship, sportsmanship, and fair play that are inherent in sports competitions. 

The claims that 'ratings dropped' regarding the Ziraat Turkish Cup quarter-final match broadcast on ATV today contain disinformation and serve no purpose other than a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The real, scientific rating figures will be shared with the public once they reach us," he stated.

Explaining how the rating measurement system works, Şahin said, "First of all, the rating measurement system in Turkey is carried out under the supervision of RTÜK, based on scientific methods and long-term panel applications. While television viewing measurements are carried out by TİAK A.Ş., which is authorized by RTÜK, radio listening rate measurements are carried out under the responsibility of RİAK A.Ş. 

Data collected via peoplemeter devices placed in 4 thousand households covering approximately 15 thousand people aged 5 and over in 40 provinces across the country are analyzed daily and are subject to scientific reporting.

In this system, individual calls or short-term directives have no effect on rating data."

Stating that manipulative information aimed at misinforming the public once again highlights the importance of accessing accurate and reliable information, Şahin said, "Furthermore, variables such as socio-economic status, gender, age, employment status, and household size, which affect viewer and listener behavior, play an important role in determining advertising strategies.

The necessity for research panels to accurately represent the target population is subject to audit within the scope of legislation.

Manipulative information aimed at misinforming the public, which is not based on reliable sources, has once again highlighted the importance of accessing accurate and reliable information," he said.