Turkey’s media regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), has issued severe penalties against several opposition aligned television channels over their coverage of protests related to the Istanbul Mayor and President Erdoğan’s political opponent Ekrem İmamoğlu.
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RTÜK has suspended opposition aligned Sözcü TV’s broadcasts for 10 days, imposed program suspensions on Halk TV and Tele 1, and fined all three networks, citing violations of broadcasting regulations. The regulator (RTÜK) has accused them of inciting hatred and hostility during live coverage of demonstrations following İmamoğlu’s recent arrest.
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Ekrem İmamoğlu is the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition figure from the Republican People’s Party (CHP). He won the mayoral race in 2019, dealing a major blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had controlled the city for decades. İmamoğlu’s growing popularity has made him a key challenger to Erdoğan’s rule, particularly in the lead-up to Turkey’s next elections.
His arrest sparked widespread criticism, with opposition figures and media outlets accusing the government of trying to sideline political opponents through the judiciary.
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Severe penalties for critical coverage
RTÜK’s decision marks one of the strictest measures taken against media organizations before outright license revocation. The penalized programs include Sözcü TV’s “Nokta Atışı” and “Öncesi Sonrası,” Tele 1’s “Sabah Pusulası” and “Haber 13,” NOW TV’s “Orta Sayfa,” and Halk TV’s “Gündem Özel” and “Haberler.”
The council justified its decision by citing instances where protestors, during live coverage, allegedly chanted offensive remarks against President Erdoğan’s family and insults targeting Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli. RTÜK also accused the channels of using language that insulted public officials, judges, and law enforcement officers.
Sözcü TV goes dark for 10 days
According to RTÜK member İlhan Taşçı, Sözcü TV has been handed a 10-day suspension for its live coverage from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, which the regulator claims incited public hatred. If the channel receives another violation under the same regulation, its broadcasting license could be revoked entirely.
During the blackout, viewers will see only a black screen with a message displaying RTÜK’s ruling.
Additionally, Sözcü TV was fined 3% of its revenue over remarks made by CHP parliamentary group leader Ali Mahir Başarır, who criticized Bahçeli.
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Halk TV and Tele 1 penalized for protest coverage
Halk TV was fined 5% of its revenue and ordered to suspend five programs over its coverage of protests. RTÜK specifically pointed to remarks made by CHP leader Özgür Özel at a rally in Saraçhane, where he criticized a key judge and called for boycotts against government figures.
Tele 1 was hit with similar penalties, including a 5% fine and the suspension of five programs, for airing comments that RTÜK claimed incited hostility. The network was also fined for criticism directed at the RTÜK chairman himself.
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YouTube channels also under scrutiny
RTÜK extended its crackdown beyond traditional broadcasters, targeting YouTube channels operated by journalist Fatih Altaylı and filmmaker İlker Canikligil. The regulator warned that unless the channels obtain broadcasting licenses within 72 hours, they will face access restrictions.
Opposition outcry over ‘censorship’
The penalties have sparked accusations of censorship from opposition figures and media advocates.
Cafer Mahiroğlu, owner of Halk TV, criticized the decision, stating: “They want us to stop reporting the news, to deny our very purpose. They are telling us: ‘See nothing, hear nothing, say nothing.’” He added that the Turkish public would resist efforts to suppress independent journalism.
Government justification and previous warnings
RTÜK Chairman Ebubekir Şahin defended the penalties, arguing that the channels had violated broadcasting laws. Prior to the sanctions, Şahin warned that media outlets airing content that contradicted “legal regulations” would face the harshest consequences.
The crackdown comes amid heightened political tensions in Turkey, where critics argue that press freedom has been steadily eroding under Erdoğan’s administration. The penalties imposed on these media outlets are expected to fuel further debates over government influence in the country’s media landscape.
