COVID-19 in Turkey: Media authority urges TVs ‘to not use jam-packed images’

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) member from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) İlhan Taşçı has announced that RTÜK Chair Ebubekir Şahin sent an instruction to the executives of television channels regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) measures amid the 17-day 'full lockdown' that entered into effect on April 30.

Taşçı has alleged that "Şahin sent an instruction to the TV executives on private line and asked them to not use jam-packed images."

Taşçı has tweeted, "RTÜK Chair Ebubekir Şahin sent an 'instruction' to the executives of TV channels today (May 2). TV channels have been asked to not use jam-packed images, but to use the images of empty streets and avenues instead. Stadiums, congresses will not be shown."

RTÜK Başkanı Ebubekir Şahin, bugün televizyon kanallarının yöneticilerine özel hattan bir "talimat" gönderdi.
Televizyonların lebalep görüntüleri kullanmamaları; bunun yerine "boş cadde ve sokak görüntülerinin kullanılmasını" istendi!
Stadlar, kongreler gösterilmeyecek!!!

— İlhan Taşcı (@ilhantasci) May 2, 2021

Şahin has also made a statement on social media: "It fits the one who made these remarks to manipulate a constructive reminder that we made in a very clear and plain language, as is required by our duty, with a crooked mindset. When the streets and the agenda are empty, the evil-intentioned mindset is all upon it, as pleased as punch. It is a real pity." (RT/SD)