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'Starbucks' cup caused backlash: TGRT terminates employment

The appearance of a 'Starbucks' cup on screen during a TGRT broadcast sparked backlash. TGRT announced that it has terminated the employment of the anchor and the director.

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TGRT Haber's weekend news program drew attention when a "Starbucks" cup was seen on the desk. The presence of a Starbucks cup—a brand currently being protested in Turkey following the events in Palestine—on a channel close to the government drew reactions from social media users.

STATEMENT FROM TGRT

In a statement, TGRT announced that, in accordance with its 'institutional principles,' it has terminated the employment of the anchor and the director involved in the incident. The statement read, "We do not approve of this action by the presenter and director whose employment has been terminated, and we strongly condemn it."

"EMPLOYMENT OF ANCHOR AND DIRECTOR TERMINATED FOR JUST CAUSE"

TGRT's statement is as follows:

"ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE PUBLIC

It was observed that Meltem Günay, who was anchoring the TGRT Haber TV news broadcast on 24.12.2023, presented the news with a cup belonging to Starbucks in front of her. In accordance with our institution's principles, it is strictly forbidden for an anchor to present in a way that constitutes covert advertising for any company on TGRT Haber TV. The employment of the news anchor and the director who acted in violation of this principle has been terminated for just cause. Our institution possesses an understanding that recognizes and defends to the end the sensitivities held by the Turkish people regarding Gaza. It is absolutely impossible to approve of an action or broadcast contrary to this. We, too, do not approve of this action by the presenter and director whose employment has been terminated, and we strongly condemn it. For this reason, their employment contracts have been terminated. Our institution will continue to stand with the people of Gaza and the Turkish people and to uphold their sensitivities to the end.

Respectfully announced to the public."