RTÜK warns broadcasters against increasing TV violence

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The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has sent a warning letter to TV outlets about the increase in violent scenes in both TV series and news programs.

Such images used extensively in news bulletins and violent scenes in TV series "normalize violence" and threaten the country's "social structure," said RTÜK.

As a result of a content analysis it carried out, topics known as "page three news," which refer to crime and odd news, were prominently covered in news bulletins, said the RTÜK.

TV channels mostly compile their news bulletins from their "WhatsApp news lines," and violent images appear "too much," the council noted.

Not only news bulletins but also TV series include various types of violence, from physical to psyhcological, economical and sexual, it said.

"We regret to see that, in direct proportion to the increase in the number of violent broadcasts, unfortunately, the number of women who are exposed to violence and die as a result of violence increases in our country. As a reflection of these broadcasting policies, violence against children and animals also tends to increase."

The council called on broadcasters to act responsibly against violence and those who act in the opposite direction will be sanctioned.

The RTÜK has been criticized for focusing on media outlets critical of the government while ignoring TV violence. (HA/VK)