Turkish media watchdog now eyes street interviews for ‘disinformation’

Duvar English

Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) president Ebubekir Şahin on Aug. 8 signaled actions against street interviews in his latest statement.

In a social media post, Şahin argued that street interviews have reached a point where they “violate universal journalistic principles and press ethics by manipulating public opinion”. He stated that RTÜK was monitoring this format due to its potential to “cause disinformation,” and expressed the following,

"From time to time, we have observed that street interviews or public opinion segments, broadcast under various names such as 'Street Interviews' or 'Citizen's View,' both on national television and certain social media platforms, have reached a level where they violate universal journalistic principles and press ethics by manipulating public opinion.”

Şahin maintained that these interviews were often marketed as “innocent” under titles such as “Voice of the Street,” but in reality sought to “push economic or political agendas, only highlight opinions that support the broadcaster's subjective views.” 

“The opinions presented in these interviews are falsely portrayed as the voice of the general public or a large segment of society, leading to disinformation through their biased and manipulative nature,” he continued.  

According to Şahin, such misleading interview techniques were used deliberately to “influence the masses.” 

RTÜK was particularly focusing on these types of broadcasting activities and posts on new media platforms. The authority would continue to take necessary actions regarding these activities that lead to “sociological conflicts,” asserted Şahin. 

Street interviews gained popularity as a format in recent years, as journalists took to the streets asking the public’s opinions on issues ranging from the economy, social issues, and popular culture. 

Citizens who have been the subject of these interviews have faced legal action in the past, especially those who voiced criticism or negative opinions about the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

While it includes members from oppositional parties, RTÜK’s policymaking board is dominated by President Erdoğan's ruling AKP and its allies. The watchdog frequently fines broadcasters that are critical of the government and broadcasts that it finds “immoral,” and imposes censorship over content that it deems “unsuitable” for the “Turkish family structure.” 

The authority's latest bout of penalties was against subscription-based streaming services Netflix, MUBI, and Prime Video for content such as the animated series "Sausage Party: Foodtopia" and Gaspar Noé's award-winning "Climax." RTÜK ordered the removal of the content and fined the platforms with the highest penalty.