Journalism group condemns fines on streaming services over 'family values'

 A scene from the "Anne+" series on Netflix.

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Turkish Journalists Association (TGC) has expressed its disapproval of the fines imposed by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) on streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, MUBI, Bein, and Blu TV.

RTÜK had justified the administrative fines by claiming that the content on these platforms was against "social and cultural values and the Turkish family structure." Some of the fines were imposed due to the presence of LGBTI+ stories in certain films.

In its statement, the TGC criticized RTÜK's attempts to shape broadcasts through censorship and imposing heavy fines, saying, "It appears that RTÜK, failing to comprehend the changing world order and fundamental human rights and freedoms, is once again trying to influence broadcasts through censorship and exorbitant fines."

"Ambigious justifications"

"The opaque and ambiguous justifications in RTÜK's decisions, like 'Turkish family structure,' raise concerns. The Turkish Journalists' Code of Ethics includes this essential principle in the face of such government interventions: 'Journalists recognize and respect the rights of all nations, peoples, and individuals without discrimination based on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, language, religion, sect, belief, non-belief, class, and worldview'."

"RTÜK's stance seems to aim at pleasing the government by promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to individuals, families, and media. Such behavior not only fails to assist the government but also damages the reputation of our country in the eyes of developed nations." (TY/VK)