Two broadcasters fined over guests criticizing government policies

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Supreme Board convened yesterday (August 13). Discussing the reports of monitoring experts, the Board addressed the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the programs marketing counterfeit medical products and medication.

At the end of the meeting, the RTÜK Supreme Board has imposed an administrative fine on KRT TV over the remarks of Dr. Serdar Savaş, a guest at the "Gündem Özel" (Special Agenda) program, who criticized the reopening of high schools and universities amid pandemic.

According to the Board, Dr. Savaş "insulted and smeared the President, Health Minister and government" with his remarks.

The RTÜK Supreme Board has also imposed an administrative fine and broadcast suspension on Radio Harman, a local radio station based in the capital city of Ankara, over the allegations of Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Group Deputy Chair Saruhan Oluç about the Syria policy of Turkey.

Having discussed the programs marketing counterfeit medical products and medication, the Supreme Board has also imposed administrative fines and program suspension on the broadcasters Top Shop TV, Ber TV, Arafat TV, Alaska TV and Dolunay INT. (HA/SD)