Penalty for the opposition, reward for the loyalist from RTÜK!

The Radio and Television Supreme Council of Turkey (RTÜK) issued a total of 124 million lira (4.5 million dollars) in fines and 1,357 broadcast suspension penalties to broadcasting organizations between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The Demirören and Turkuvaz media groups did not receive any fines, while more than half of the penalties targeted the opposition channel NOW TV.

The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) published a report titled "RTÜK on the 30th," highlighting the council's increasing control over the Turkish media. The report alleges that RTÜK functions as a censorship mechanism, specifically targeting news coverage related to government corruption and election reporting.

RECORD FINES FOR POLITICAL CRITICISM

The largest individual fine in RTÜK's history was imposed on NOW TV after journalist Çiğdem Toker stated on air during Turkey's May 28 presidential election night that "democracy is not limited to the ballot box." Authorities claimed that Toker's words incited public hostility. Toker was also summoned for questioning.

NOW TV was hit with another fine of over 8 million lira due to a report titled "Lobster in the AK Party Group," which criticized the ruling party.

PRESSURE ON THE OPPOSITION

According to the report, more than 60 million lira in fines were issued to broadcasts critical of the government. An additional 4 million lira in fines was imposed in connection with reporting on the government's response to the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in February 2023.

Television series addressing sensitive topics also faced sanctions from RTÜK. The series "Kızılcık Şerbeti" and "Kızıl Goncalar," which focus on religious communities, were pulled from the air. Those covering Kurdish issues were fined 1 million lira, while LGBTQ+ content was fined 568,000 lira.

EXPANSION OF REGULATORY SCOPE

RTÜK's jurisdiction was expanded in 2018 to include internet broadcasting, granting it authority over platforms such as YouTube. RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin confirmed plans to make it mandatory for YouTube channels to obtain broadcasting licenses, which carries the potential to subject digital journalists and online content creators to strict regulatory oversight.

BACKGROUND ON RTÜK

Established following constitutional amendments in 1993 that ended the state monopoly on broadcasting, RTÜK is tasked with regulating radio and television content in Turkey. Its nine members are elected based on parliamentary representation. Since its inception, the council has faced criticism for using its regulatory authority to suppress dissenting voices in the media.

News Source: 12punto