RTÜK President announces: Age rating system coming to news broadcasts

Attending the "SUBÜ Talks" event organized by Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ) at the Turgut Özal Culture and Congress Center, Şahin provided information to students about the institution's operations and work.

Emphasizing that Turkey's communication legislation is far ahead of many European countries, as well as the US, France, and Germany, Şahin noted that regulations should not be perceived solely as penalties or sanctions.

Touching upon the fact that RTÜK is unfortunate in this regard, Şahin said:

"Social media hasn't been able to love us because, ultimately, we are an organization that issues penalties. Institutions that issue penalties or apply sanctions are not loved. We are aware of this, but since they come from a system that broadcasts with bias, and because they don't like us much, they have portrayed us to you as if the RTÜK President wakes up in the morning and does nothing else but say, 'Who shall I penalize today? This Kızılcık Şerbeti is too much, where did these Kızıl Goncalar come from?' and is in a mindset or structure that constantly penalizes them. But in reality, if you look at it, we carry out all these actions within the framework of law and administration."

Şahin stated that penal actions are applied to channels in accordance with decisions made in a democratic environment, and that if there is an objection, the administrative judiciary makes the final decision.

"WE HAVE INTRODUCED A NEW PENALTY SYSTEM"

Responding to students' questions after his speech, Şahin addressed concerns about the excessive amount of violent content in main news bulletins with the following remarks:

"We normally do not interfere much with news bulletins. As long as everyone follows the rules, we want them to present their news bulletins within their own scope. But things have gotten out of hand here. We have now made a principle decision at the Radio and Television Supreme Council. We will apply '+18, +13' ratings according to the time slot. We have introduced a new penalty system if there are things that exceed those limits within those time slots.

We have now sent it to the Presidency for publication. We will implement this practice after it is published in the Official Gazette. Unfortunately, this is not something very exciting for us, nor is it something to boast about, but as the Radio and Television Supreme Council, we will put a 'beep' on the news, meaning we will put a sign. We will say, 'Those under 13 or 18 years old should not watch this,' or 'There is violence here.'

This was not in the news. We had to do this for the first time. Our children are watching too. We have taken our precautions regarding this. If the regulation is issued, which will happen soon, we will then start this system."

"DO NOT THINK EVERYONE IS LIKE YOU"

Regarding a question about daytime programs, Şahin stated that these are the most problematic areas they deal with.

Pointing out that the most profitable and highest-rated programs in Turkey are daytime programs, Şahin said, "Because it is a very broad sector. Within this, there is women's hygiene, women's education, women acquiring professions, childcare, or handicrafts, or, I apologize, but if there is a child being abused in a family—may it be far from here—most people don't know 'How do we understand if they are being abused, what do we do, where do we apply?' Do not think everyone is like you."

Stating that various incidents occur, Şahin continued:

"There are such events that we wanted programs that explain these to be here, but it doesn't work. We gather them. Our producers comply with this for 2-3 months, then they go off the rails again, so to speak. Why? It's not watched, it doesn't get ratings. This is a very interesting cycle. I am not saying this, I don't agree with this: 'It doesn't get ratings, so let's continue doing these.' No. 'The public wants this, let's do this.' No. The public wants this, yes. If you do something better, the public will want that too. In that respect, we will continue until someone does something better."

Explaining that they impose many penalties on daytime programs and TV series, but producers continue, Şahin noted:

"Can we remove them? We can. What will happen? The power is in our hands. You impose a penalty on this three times in a row, they won't be able to bear it and will stop. But what will happen then? What will you do if that program goes to YouTube or other platforms on the internet? This is under our control. Impose a fine, shut down the program. We are on a fine line.

What is important here, I say clearly, is that we will do our duty as RTÜK, the producers will do their duty, but the audience will also do their duty. Let them not watch, let's not let them watch, let's raise awareness. Maybe we need to change the medium. What should we do? There are many producers who appeal to young people.

But let me say this: as RTÜK, we have reached the final limit. We are here regarding daytime programs because we no longer have the capacity to tolerate this. Either they will come to their senses, or we will do what is necessary. As for TV series, we are already doing what is necessary."

News Source: AA