Açık Radyo (https://acikradyo.com.tr/), an Turkish radio station, recently had its broadcast license revoked by Türkiye / Turkey Radio and Television Supreme Council (Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulu – RTÜK – https://www.rtuk.gov.tr/about-us/1749/en) after mentioning the Armenian genocide during a program. This decision follows a history of penalties and suspensions imposed on the station and other media outlets in Türkiye / Turkey.
In April 2024 a guest on Açık Radyo’s program “Açık Gazete” referenced the Armenian genocide, stating it was the 109th anniversary of the deportations and massacres on Ottoman soil. RTÜK allegedly accused the station of inciting societal hatred and hostility under Article 8 of Law No. 6112 and imposed a fine along with a five-day suspension. Despite paying the fine, Açık Radyo continued its broadcasts, which RTÜK viewed as a violation of the suspension terms. Consequently, in July 2024, RTÜK canceled the station’s broadcasting license.
One RTÜK member nominated by the main opposition party The Republican People’s Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi – CHP), criticized the decision, highlighting that the station had paid the fine and suggesting that RTÜK should have considered press freedom in their ruling. Açık Radyo issued a statement condemning the revocation, asserting that the remarks made during their program were within the scope of freedom of expression and press freedom as guaranteed by international human rights law, including the European Convention on Human Rights. The station announced plans to pursue legal actions against RTÜK’s decision while maintaining their commitment to broadcasting according to universal journalism principles.
The revocation of Açık Radyo’s license is part of a broader pattern of penalties imposed by RTÜK on media outlets critical of the government. This year alone, six different TV and radio channels, including Now TV (https://www.nowtv.com.tr/) and Tele1 (https://tele1.com.tr/), have faced administrative fines and suspensions for their critical content. These actions are seen as systematic harassment of independent media in Türkiye / Turkey, undermining freedom of expression and media pluralism.
The case of Açık Radyo highlights the ongoing struggles faced by independent media in Türkiye / Turkey. The revocation of its license is a significant blow to press freedom in the country, signaling a tightening grip on media by regulatory authorities.
Eighteen Turkish and international media and press freedom organizations, including South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), have signed a statement condemning the decision by RTÜK to cancel the broadcast license of Açık Radyo.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the revocation of Açık Radyo’s broadcast license by Türkiye / Turkey Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). This action represents a severe violation of press freedom and freedom of expression, which are cornerstones of any democratic society. SEEMO will be closely monitoring the situation and urges RTÜK to reinstate Açık Radyo’s license immediately, allowing the station to continue its critical role in providing independent journalism and fostering public debate.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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