RTÜK penalized only critical TV outlets in 2021

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) imposed penalties only on TV outlets critical of the government in the first half of the year, a council member from the main opposition party has revealed.

The council has issued 22 administrative fines worth 5 million lira (1 USD = 8.68 TRY) on various outlets, according to İlhan Taşçı of the Republican People's Party (CHP).

"Complaints about channels close to the government were not even brought to the agenda of the Supreme Council," he said.

Figures compiled bay Taşçı between January 1 and June 30:

⇨ Halk TV was the most sanctioned channel as it was handed nine separate penalties worth 254,000 lira.

⇨ TELE1 TV was penalized six times and had to pay 169,429 lira and KRT TV received four penalties worth 112,952 lira.

⇨ Having received three penalties in six months, FOX TV now has to pay a total of 4.5 million lira of administrative fines. The higher amount of fine was due to the channel's higher ad revenues, according to Taşçı.

⇨ In the same period, no sanctions were imposed on pro-government channels ATV, A Haber, Ülke TV, Kanal 7, TV Net and TGRT Haber, he noted.

"The RTÜK divided 1,780 TV stations into two: those who love the government and the palace, and those who criticize them," said Taşçı. "[RTÜK Chair] Ebubekir Şahin is trying everything to silence the critics."

Taşçı accused Şahin of acting upon instructions by the government and said: "At this point, RTÜK has started to hinder broadcasting. RTÜK is now a primary problem of Turkey's broadcasting ... RTÜK is the biggest obstacle to freedom of the press and expression." (HA/VK)