RTÜK Stands Firm Against False and Incomplete News on ‘Open Radio’
RTÜK, the Radio and Television Supreme Council in Turkey, has issued a statement addressing the recent controversy surrounding the cancelation of Açık Radyo’s broadcasting license. In their statement, RTÜK emphasized that the decision to revoke the license was not taken lightly and was made in accordance with the law.
The issue at hand revolved around the use of certain terms, such as ‘genocide’ and ‘massacre,’ to describe the events of 1915 on Açık Radyo. RTÜK stated that the use of these terms without any attempt to correct or clarify them was both inaccurate and irresponsible. They also highlighted that labeling the Armenian deportation as genocide goes against historical facts and distorts Turkish political history.
As a result of the controversial broadcasts, RTÜK imposed fines and program suspension sanctions on Açık Radyo. However, it was discovered that the broadcasting organization failed to comply with the sanctions and continued to air programs without authorization. This led to the ultimate decision to cancel the station’s license, as mandated by Law No. 6112.
Despite the severity of the decision, RTÜK emphasized that the broadcaster has the right to appeal the ruling to the Regional Administrative Court. They also stressed that the cancellation of the license was a necessary measure to uphold the integrity and standards of broadcasting in Turkey.
In conclusion, RTÜK’s decision to revoke Açık Radyo’s license serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and adherence to regulatory guidelines in the media industry. The case underscores the need for accountability and accuracy in reporting, especially when discussing sensitive historical events.
