Turkey's media authority issues warning to Spotify, FOXplay over 'licensing'

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has issued a warning to Spotify and FOXplay to complete their licensing process in order to continue activities in Turkey.

Both domestic and international internet broadcasters have to be licensed according to a 2019 regulation bringing online broadcasting under the RTÜK.

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Several platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime and Mubi, have initiated an application process for licensing, the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Two broadcasters based in Turkey, Paylaş FM and Medyaport TV, have also been warned by the council.

The broadcasters were told that they could make an application with a petition and an affirmative covenant and have to pay a licensing fee for three months in advance.

Those who fail to apply to the RTÜK will have to suspend activities within 72 hours. Otherwise, the RTÜK will file a criminal complaint against the companies and apply to a penal judgeship of peace for an order of access block.

The RTÜK last August published a regulation bringing internet broadcasting under its authority.

Accordingly, the license fee is 10,000 (~1,290 US dollars) Turkish lira for internet radios and 100,000 lira for television and on-demand video broadcast.

Also, the platforms have to use RTÜK's "symbol system" for broadcasting and inform viewers about the content of programs verbally or in written form. (EMK/VK)