Turkish media watchdog turns blind eye to pro-gov’t channel’s unlicensed broadcast

Turkey's media watchdog RTÜK, known to be very meticulous with regards to its investigations and audits of opposition media outlets, has not taken any step with regards to the unlicensed broadcast of a Denizli-based TV channel that has close connections with the ruling AKP.

Friday February 03 2023 08:09 pm

Duvar English

Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), known to be issuing unlimited fines for opposition media outlets, is turning a blind eye to unlicensed broadcast by Pamukkale TV which has close connections with the government.

Pamukkale TV’s founder is Emin Barıner, a deputy candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) during the 2015 general elections, according to reporting by online news outlet Diken.-

The TV channel, based in the Aegean province of Denizli, acquired a license for satellite brodcast in March 2012, but the license expired after 10 years on March 28, 2022. While RTÜK is very meticulous with regards to its investigations and audits of opposition media outlets, it has not taken any step with regards to Pamukkale TV’s unlicensed broadcast for the last 10 months.

The TV channel has recently hosted on its programs several AKP figures such as Family Minister Derya Yanık and AKP Denizli Provincial Head Yücel Güngör. The channel had also broadcasted live President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Jan. 28 rally in Denizli

As per the media law, the channel needs to reapply for a license and make a payment of 1.5 million liras.

Topics Pamukkale TV RTÜK Turkey Turkish media watchdog