Turkey's television watchdog also warned 12 national television channels including a cable station, a regional channel, four national channels and four stations that broadcast through satellites, for "unsuitable" programs.
The board took these decisions during meetings held on January 27-28. The decision to call off more than one broadcast is based on the new RTUK law, which states a program that is seen as "problematic" can be ordered off the air more than once.
RTUK said the seven media organizations violated law no: 4, which states that programs:
* Should not serve an unjust aim, and may not lead to unfair competition,
* Should not hurt the national and moral values of the society and should be in line with the structure of the Turkish family,
* Should not attack personalities,
* Should not harm the physical, mental and moral development of children and youngsters,
* Should be in line with the principle of objectivity and be based on
realities.
Calling off Programs
RTUK called off three consecutive broadcasts of Star TV's sports program, a program called "What's Happening There," on Channel 7, and "Woman's Voice" on TGRT television. The board said these programs were not appropriate for the Turkish family structure.
RTUK called off some programs on channels Flash TV and "Haber Turk," stating they attacked personalities. "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" on CNBC-e and "Telekritik" on the TGRT channel were ordered off the air once.
The news program of "Gun TV" (Day TV) in the province of Diyarbakir , was ordered off the air once. The board said the news program violated the principle of objectivity and reality. FM 12 in the province of Bingol was ordered to call off three broadcasts.
RTUK also asked for defenses from "Haber Turk" stating it violated the principles of objectivity and fairness during its news programs. Show TV was also asked to send a defense for violating an article about telephone contests.
Warning for Paparazzi programs
RTUK warned Star TV for its program called, "Paparazzi," Show TV for "Sunday Surprise," "Sunday Delight," and "Televole," ATV channel for programs called "Elifname," "Wonderful Sunday," "Private Line," and news programs, Flash TV for "Colorful Lives," and Olay TV from Bursa for "Grasshopper Paparazzi."
Akra FM was warned for its program called, "Sea of Events." The watchdog said the program made criticisms based on language, race, color, sexuality, political opinion, philosophical believes, religion, sect etc.
"Yesilcam TV," "Nev TV", "Cineclassic," "Soap Opera TV," "King FM," "Super FM," "Metro FM," and "Joy FM," "Channel D," "Flash TV," "ATV," "TGRT," "Show TV," "Channel 7," and Channel A," also received one or several warnings from RTUK for various reasons. (EO/BB/EA/NM)
