Turkey’s RTÜK flexes its muscles, dishing out hefty fines and sanctions to broadcasters.
In 2025, Turkey’s Radio & Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) imposed a staggering 99 sanctions on various broadcasters and digital platforms, resulting in fines totaling around $5.3 million (€4.5 million). This data, reported by the Stockholm Center for Freedom, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by news outlets and political commentary during a tumultuous year for media freedom in the country.
The sanctions targeted national television stations, radio broadcasters, and online platforms, with a significant emphasis on news and commentary programming. Tuncay Keser, a member of RTÜK, explained that these penalties stemmed from alleged violations of broadcasting principles. He characterized 2025 as “a difficult year for critical journalism,” stating that programs focused on news and commentary were particularly affected by an overwhelming number of penalties.
In addition to financial repercussions, several programs were suspended, with some broadcasters facing blackouts lasting up to 25 days. The RTÜK took action against a number of streaming services, resulting in the removal of ten titles from Turkish catalogs on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, MUBI, HBO Max, Disney XD, and Spotify.
Out of the total sanctions, 61 were directed at national television stations, with news and commentary shows being the most penalized. A combined 54 sanctions were issued for these programs, often citing transgressions related to exceeding acceptable criticism limits, according to the Stockholm Center. Pro-opposition outlet Sözcü TV was notably hit with 16 sanctions—15 fines and 13 suspensions—along with a 10-day broadcast blackout. Other impacted stations included Tele 1, which received 15 sanctions, and Halk TV, facing 14 sanctions, both experiencing multiple fines and suspensions.
The heavy-handed approach of the RTÜK raises concerns about its independence, with critics accusing the council of suppressing dissenting voices and pushing a pro-government narrative in the media. As the situation unfolds, the future of critical journalism in Turkey remains uncertain amidst these increasing regulations.
