RTÜK Warns National Geographic

RTÜK, Turkey’s Higher Board of Radio and Television, issued a warning penalty on National Geographic Channel for violating the article “programs can’t include content that encourages the usage of recreational drugs and gambling”. 

According to a statement released by RTÜK website, even though Drug Inc.-Drug Kings Of New York documentary (released on 29 May 2013 between midnight and 1 am local time) depicted the desperate situation of drug addicts, it also included statements and footage that encouraged drug usage. 

“The aforementioned program included scenes of drug usage without any concealing technique. It also quoted positive statements of drug addicts on the recreational effects of drugs as well as phrases from drug sellers on the profitability of such business. We believe that the airing of these scenes encourages behaviors that will harm public general health.”

RTÜK issued a warning penalty on National Geographic channel according to Law 6112 Article 8 Clause 1 Statement h. 

RTÜK members Süleyman Demirkan and Ali Öztunç voted against the penalty. (EKN/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.