TGC reacts to Halk TV and Sözcü TV screen blackout penalty

The 10-day screen blackout penalty imposed by RTÜK on June 26 for "inciting society to hatred and resentment" was served on Halk TV. Ankara 7th Administrative Court lifted the stay of execution of the 10-day screen blackout penalty imposed on Sözcü TV.

Accordingly, Halk TV and Sözcü TV screens will be blacked out for 10 days starting from July 8.

The Turkish Journalists Association (TGC) drew attention to the fact that the decision of the Board of Directors of RTÜK to suspend the broadcasting of Halk TV and Sözcü TV for 10 days is a heavy blow to the freedom of press and freedom of expression under the guarantee of the Constitution.

The TGC Board of Directors' statement included the following views:

“As the Turkish Journalists Association, we are concerned about the 10-day broadcast suspension imposed on Halk TV and Sözcü TV by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK).

The 10-day screen blackout penalty given to Halk TV has been notified to the channel. If a stay of execution is not given, Halk TV will be blacked out on Tuesday night, July 8, 2025. The Ankara 7th Administrative Court has lifted the stay of execution decision of the 10-day screen blackout penalty given to Sözcü TV. Sözcü TV screens will be blacked out on Tuesday night, July 8, 2025.

These decisions suspend the public's right to receive news. RTÜK's unjust and unlawful double-screen blackout aims to silence not only journalists but the entire society. It is a heavy blow to the freedom of press and freedom of thought guaranteed by the Constitution. With the penalties it imposes, RTÜK is trying to discourage the media from discussing public issues and prevent critical news from being produced. Media organizations that report on the government's activities that are not in the public interest are being pressured and economically weakened with broadcast suspensions and fines. In addition, the Radio and Television Supreme Council imposed a suspension of five programs on Sözcü TV due to its commentary on the Leman cartoon in its meeting held on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Tele 1 was fined for its subtitles of the Saraçhane rally.

It is unacceptable for RTÜK to exceed its authority and make decisions for political reasons. Such practices are the clearest indication that public power has been transformed into a censorship mechanism.

As the Turkish Journalists Association, we call on the government to respect the Constitution, the press and freedom of expression, and on RTÜK to act in accordance with the principles of impartiality and public interest. We remind you once again. Preventing journalists from reporting news and blacking out televisions will not solve the problems in the country. It will set democracy back. Journalism is not a crime.”

Source: News Center