RTÜK imposes fines on four broadcasters
In its latest meeting, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) ruled on a wide range of broadcasting violations by four different media organizations, ranging from allegations targeting the Turkish Armed Forces and profane chants at the end of a match to privacy violations and unfair financial gain through prisoners.
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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) decided on administrative sanctions against four different media organizations during its meeting to evaluate current broadcasting violations. The files discussed included the uncensored broadcast of political statements, the airing of profane chants in sports programs, television programs that pushed the boundaries of privacy, and alleged unfair income generated through prisoners in correctional facilities.
One of the violations reviewed by the Council involved serious allegations against the Turkish Armed Forces that were featured in a live broadcast and also displayed on screen as subtitles. Following a complaint by the Ministry of National Defense, it was decided to impose an administrative fine on the organization in question under the Law on the Establishment and Broadcasting Services of Radio and Television.
Following an evaluation regarding the broadcast of profane chants from the stadium without any censorship after the Trabzonspor-Galatasaray match played in the Süper Lig on April 4, 2026, the broadcaster was fined for violating the rule on the correct and decent use of the Turkish language. Numerous viewer complaints received by RTÜK were influential in determining the penalty due to the lack of technical measures taken during the broadcast.
Another sanction concerned the program titled “Esra Ezmeci ile Yeni Baştan,” which detailed the murder of a high school student in its episodes aired on March 19 and 23 in a manner that exceeded the boundaries of privacy. Conducting an investigation in line with viewer complaint petitions, RTÜK fined the organization for violating the article of the law that prohibits the broadcast of sensitive content during times when children and young people may be watching.
Another media outlet that received a penalty was related to a radio program where messages from prisoners and their relatives were read. RTÜK determined that this program could negatively affect the order of penal institutions and that unfair financial gain was being obtained from prisoners and their relatives under the guise of subscriptions and memberships. Finally, the broadcaster in question was fined on the grounds that it acted contrary to the principles of the rule of law and justice.