Warning from RTÜK for the new season

In a statement made by RTÜK, it was noted that although it was not desired, some sanctions had to be applied in the previous broadcasting period due to violations of broadcasting principles. It was emphasized that taking these warnings into account is crucial both to prevent the fueling of certain social problems through broadcasts and to ensure that broadcasters do not become victims.

The statement noted that in recent days, judicial issues related to violence, particularly incidents of violence against women and children, have dominated the media agenda, adding: "The way these tragic events are handled in the media is unfortunately far from the maturity expected of them and from adhering to professional press ethics. We have encountered a broadcasting approach where court-ordered publication bans are ignored, and victims and their relatives are repeatedly victimized through the media. While the 'Broadcasting Principles' mentioned in Law No. 6112, the 'Audiovisual Media Ethical Principles' supported by the signatures of our entire press, and 'International Press Ethical Values' are clear, the negative media attitude displayed recently is drawing public reaction."

The statement recalled that in the previous period, RTÜK had announced decisions on "Ethical principles for combating violence against women," "Ethical principles for sports program broadcasting," and the "Implementation of smart signs in news bulletins."

Stating that the principle decisions taken by the Supreme Council are binding on the entire media, the statement included the following: "Our latest work that we are focusing on is the 'Principle decisions for daytime programs.' In the coming days, the measures to be taken to eliminate the excesses in such programs will be shared with the public."

The statement also noted that in addition to the ethical principle decisions, significant steps have been taken toward raising media awareness through public service announcements, substitute programs, and public opinion research, and that the Supreme Council has applied sanctions 47 times to media service providers due to broadcasts that encourage crime and promote violence.

"VIOLENCE CANNOT BE NORMALIZED"

The following warnings were recorded in the statement:

"Our media cannot pursue an irresponsible broadcasting policy, driven by the lust for ratings, while ignoring sensitivities. The media cannot bring rumors and allegations of uncertain origin to the agenda. All kinds of violent incidents cannot be brought to television at hours when children may be in front of the screen. Violence cannot be normalized through uncontrolled images, and isolated incidents cannot be portrayed as if they exist throughout society. While our country's security forces, who serve selflessly, are martyred by putting their lives on the line, broadcasts that create the impression that crime and criminals are not being fought cannot be made recklessly. The media cannot encourage, normalize, or ever make violence reasonable in TV series or other productions. Freedom of the press and expression cannot be used in a way that causes people to be victimized. Especially in distressing social events that wound the conscience, heartless broadcasting cannot be done. In daytime programs, broadcasts that damage the traditional family structure, show women in a state of helplessness, or feature unqualified individuals engaging in criminal debates that continue for months cannot be presented."

Stating that RTÜK will continue its fight against those who violate the broadcasting principles and ethical principles mentioned in Law No. 6112, the statement concluded: "In this broadcasting period, our monitoring experts will work tirelessly to ensure that our media broadcasts in the manner expected and desired by our society. From now on, oversight processes will be more active than warnings. Necessary penal sanctions will be applied in the strictest manner for violations of the law."

POST FROM RTÜK PRESIDENT ŞAHİN

RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin also emphasized in a post on his social media account that their fight against violent content has now entered a new phase, and that from now on, oversight processes will be active rather than just warnings.