IPI urges Turkey’s broadcast regulator to immediately reverse a recent series of broadcast bans and fines on critical broadcasters, which pose a grave threat to media pluralism and independent journalism, and to ensure a free and open media environment in line with democratic standards.

Turkey’s broadcast regulator, RTÜK, issued a 10-day broadcast ban on Halk TV on June 26 for comments made by a guest on a current affairs program. During the June 22 episode, nuclear physicist Tolga Yarman discussed what he described as rising religious and sectarian tensions in Turkey. Pointing to the naming of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge as an example, he suggested that it had invoked historical Sunni-Shia tensions. Just four days after the broadcast, RTÜK interpreted these remarks as spreading hatred and used them as grounds to impose a 10-day broadcast ban on Halk TV.

Additional fines were also imposed on other critical TV channels such as SZC TV, Halk TV and Tele 1. SZC TV, which previously received a 10-day broadcast suspension that was since delayed by a court, was penalized for comments by retired Admiral Türker Ertürk, who accused the government of acting as “an agent of imperialism.” Tele 1 was fined for its criticism of a pro-government newspaper, which RTÜK claimed used demeaning language. Meanwhile, Halk TV was fined three percent of its monthly commercial revenue following remarks by opposition MP Yunus Emre, who criticized presidential advisor Mehmet Uçum. RTÜK cited the comments as violations of personal rights and dignity.

Combining broadcast bans and substantial fines with the threat of complete shutdown dramatically raised the stakes. RTÜK escalated its crackdown with an explicit warning that any repeat violations within the next year — particularly content deemed to incite division based on religion, sect, ethnicity, or similar identity markers — could result in the permanent revocation of broadcast licenses for Halk TV, Tele 1, and SZC TV.

RTÜK’s frequent and punitive sanctions against independent media, enabled by vague and overly broad regulations, are used to suppress critical journalism and stifle public debate. In the first half of 2025, RTÜK issued 46 sanctions against national TV channels, 42 of which targeted critical broadcasters, with total fines amounting to nearly 100 million Turkish liras.

Tuncay Keser, the CHP member of RTÜK, strongly opposed the recent decision, criticizing what he described as a growing pattern of politically motivated sanctions targeting certain outlets. “Silencing a broadcaster entirely is unacceptable in a democracy. It poses a serious threat to all media organizations,” Keser, speaking to IPI, said. Emphasizing the increasingly fragile position of independent broadcasters under mounting regulatory pressure, he warned that the decision carries an implicit threat: “If you don’t operate within the framework set by RTÜK, your license can be revoked at any moment.”

IPI is concerned that RTÜK’s latest decisions constitute a clear act of censorship aimed at silencing dissenting voices, rather than legitimate regulation. Such actions erode public trust in regulatory institutions and further shrink the already limited space for independent journalism in Turkey.

We urge RTÜK to reverse the broadcast ban and respect the role of independent journalism in a democratic society. IPI stands with critical journalism and continues to advocate for an open media environment free from political interference and censorship.