RTÜK fines three broadcasters over reports, comments critical of government

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In the last meeting of the year, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) issued monetary penalties on Halk TV, FOX TV and TELE 1.

Halk TV was fined because of journalist Barış Terkoğlu's remarks about Berat Albayrak, the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a former finance minister.

During a program, Terkoğlu read out a passage from a report by KİPTAŞ, the İstanbul Municipality'S housing agency, which showed that a foundation founded by Berat Albayrak had irregularly leased a forested land from the municipality.

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The council fined FOX TV for "degrading the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK)." The broadcaster had critically reported on fuel prices.

TELE1 was handed a fine because of the remarks of retired Admiral Türker Ertürk, who had appeared on a program as a guest.

The broadcasters will pay a fine of 2 percent of their advertising revenues. (HA/VK)