In Turkey, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) dictates how broadcasters should operate. RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin has even instructed channels not to air live broadcasts, threatening to revoke their licences.
RTÜK warned that news coverage of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest could lead to long-term shutdowns if they included “insults to senior state officials.”
Ebubekir Şahin stated:
“Broadcasting organisations that invite the public to the streets, give a platform to commentators speaking like spokespeople for illegal groups, engage in biased reporting that violates individual rights, and air statements or publications containing insults or even threats against senior state officials, judiciary members handling the investigation, law enforcement personnel, and security forces will face severe penalties, including long-term suspensions and, ultimately, licence revocations.”
Many media outlets condemned this decision, stating that press and freedom of expression were once again being ignored.
