RTÜK turns its attention to street interviews: They are being monitored

Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Chairman Ebubekir Şahin stated in a post on social media that street interviews and broadcasts based on citizen opinions are under close surveillance by RTÜK.

Pointing out that such broadcasts carry the risk of manipulating public opinion, Şahin emphasized that these activities may conflict with universal press principles and ethical values.

'CAN BE USED AS A TOOL FOR PURPOSEFUL MANIPULATION'

Şahin stated that interviews presented under the name of "the voice of the street" on national television and social media platforms can be used as a tool for purposeful manipulation by being portrayed as the voice of the general public.

Stating that such interviews can influence public opinion in a misleading way through selected opinions that support the broadcaster's subjective views, Şahin said that this situation leads to disinformation.

Noting that these types of broadcasting activities, which have become widespread on new media platforms, are being closely monitored by RTÜK to prevent situations that violate visual broadcasting principles, Şahin expressed that necessary work is being carried out regarding these broadcasts that could drag the public into sociological conflicts.

The announcement by RTÜK Chairman Ebubekir Şahin on the matter is as follows:

To the Attention of the Public!
Public interviews presented under various names such as “Street Interviews” or “Citizen's Opinion,” which we detect from time to time on national television or are published on some social media channels, are, with their public-manipulating aspect, in violation of universal press professional…

— Ebubekir Şahin (@ebekirsahin) August 8, 2024