OSCE Media Freedom Representative worried about media bans imposed by Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK)

VIENNA, 5 May 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today about the ban that Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has imposed on several media outlets in recent weeks.

“Recently, we have noticed increasing pressure being put on critical TV channels in Turkey,” said Désir. “I am concerned by the decisions taken by the Radio and Television Supreme Council to fine and sanction the media outlets Fox TV, Halk TV and Tele 1 in Turkey. These actions are an additional form of pressure on journalists, and can seriously harm media pluralism and journalists’ ability to report on issues of public interest. It is of utmost importance to ensure that RTÜK, as a regulatory agency, is independent, impartial and works free from any kind of political influence in line with the best international practices.

The Representative also reiterated his call for the lawsuits against journalist Fatih Portakal to be dropped, adding that his Office will be following the case closely.

According to media reports, RTÜK fined the media outlet Fox TV, after their journalist, Fatih Portakal allegedly referred in his TV show, to the outlet’s former news programme Director who is currently detained for being a suspected member of a terrorist organization.

Additionally, on 15 April, RTÜK decided that Portakal’s “Ana Haber” programme on Fox TV had violated broadcasting rules on 30 and 31 March, and 1 April, by having unfairly targeted the authorities in relation to issues on the coronavirus pandemic. According to RTÜK, this could have resulted in hatred and hostility. RTÜK imposed a financial fine on the outlet and a three-time ban on broadcasting the programme. The President of Turkey and the Banking Regulation Agency previously sued Portakal for allegedly “spreading lies on social media" and "harming the reputation of banks”.

In addition, RTÜK decided, with a majority vote, to enact a ban on five broadcasts of the Halk TV programme “Medya Mahallesi”, hosted by journalist Ayşenur Arslan. RTÜK also imposed a ban on three broadcasts of a Tele 1 morning talk show presented by journalist Can Ataklı, after the journalist questioned why “everyone is called a ‘martyr’”.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.