TV and Radio Channels Fined 3.8 Million Lira in 2019

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has imposed 3 million 854 thousand 476 Turkish Lira (TRY)* fine on 12 TV channels, one radio channel and 23 broadcasts in total throughout 2019.

While the highest fine was imposed on FOX TV channel with 1 million 312 thousand 515 TRY, FOX Life channel faced the highest number of broadcast suspensions with eight times.

The highest fine imposed on a channel in a single time was given to FOX TV and SHOW TV with 1 million 11 thousand 234 TRY. Radio Sputnik (RS FM) was also fined 4 thousand 633 TRY and given a broadcast suspension for 5 times over criticisms about the government and İstanbul earthquake.

Sertel: Bildirici was unlawfully dismissed

Making a statement about the issue, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) İzmir MP Atilla Sertel has argued that the RTÜK protects the pro-government channels:

"Just like many other institutions, the RTÜK is also dancing to the pipe of government. Backed by the majority, it operates with a mindset that is far from being objective or impartial. Dancing to the pipe of government, the RTÜK is now in the position of the protector of pro-government [channels]. The chair of RTÜK, which is operating with a one-sided, favoring mindset, was also rewarded by the government with extra wages."

Referring to the dismissal of Faruk Bildirici from the RTÜK Supreme Board, Sertel has also underlined that Bildirici faced such treatment because he took a tough stance against the unlawful practices of the institution.

Sertel has also shared the following details about the fines and broadcast suspensions imposed by the RTÜK throughout 2019:

TELE 1 fined for airing HDP group meeting

"TELE 1 channel was fined 21 thousand 114 TRY and given a broadcast suspension for two times by the RTÜK because they live-streamed Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) group meeting.

"FOX Life channel was given an administrative fine of 42 thousand 228 TRY and a broadcast suspension for eight times due to '9-1-1' series and its scene where homosexual people kiss.

"Akit TV was fined 38 thousand 179 TRY in two different times and given a broadcast suspension twice over its news 'Let's hang [CHP Chair] Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and over its insults to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and to the ones that waged the War of Independence.

"Known for its opposition to government, Halk TV was given an administrative fine of 21 thousand 114 TRY and a broadcast suspension twice by the supreme board. As for KRT TV, another opposition channel, it was given an administrative fine of 17 thousand 65 TRY and a broadcast suspension twice due to 'insults to President Erdoğan'. (HA/SD)

* As of 11.55 a.m. today (December 31), 1 US Dollar is 5,95 Turkish Lira (TRY) and 1 Euro is 6,67 TRY.