RTÜK issues warning to daytime programs: 'Do not exploit for ratings'

RTÜK has issued a warning to daytime programs, emphasizing that the grievances experienced by women should not be used as an element of exploitation in broadcasts.

'DO NOT EXPLOIT FOR RATINGS'

In a statement released by RTÜK, it was announced that the final report of the “Workshop on the Responsibility of the Media in Combating Violence Against Women,” held in cooperation with RTÜK and the Association of Republican Women (CKD), has been published.

The report calls on television and digital media to exercise social responsibility, specifically emphasizing that the grievances experienced by women should not be abused for ratings in daytime programs.

The report, which reviews the broadcasting policies of media organizations, points out that commercial and rating concerns often take precedence over the public interest. It was stated that the normalization of violence and the use of women's grievances for the sake of ratings are widespread in daytime programs.

While the harshest criticisms in the report were directed at daytime programs, it was noted that the presence of violence against women on screens throughout the day, from morning shows to evening dramas, creates a “broken windows theory” effect, paving the way for the repetition of violence in society. It was stated that such broadcasts use provocative language rather than offering solutions and weaken trust in public institutions.

WOMEN'S GRIEVANCES FOR RATINGS

The report emphasized that women's bodies and the grievances they experience are commodified by the media for the purpose of ratings.

It was stated that programs presented under the claim of “showing the truth” normalize violence against women and pave the way for its acceptance in society. The fact that women are mostly portrayed on television only in the roles of “victim” or “perpetrator,” while “strong,” “productive,” and “contributing to society” female figures are ignored, was criticized.