Turkey’s media regulator cracks down again, fining three TV stations for content that undermines family values. Looks like the government isn’t easing up on broadcasting restrictions anytime soon.
Turkey’s broadcasting authority, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), has issued fines to three national television stations for content deemed harmful to societal norms and family values. This action reflects ongoing tensions between content creators and regulators in a country known for its strict media guidelines. The state-run Anadolu news agency reported on the penalties following viewer complaints submitted to RTÜK’s communication center.
The penalties were formally announced on Monday after RTÜK assessed various broadcasts under Law No. 6112, which governs radio and television services in Turkey. Kanal D faced scrutiny for its series “Güller ve Günahlar” (Roses and Sins), broadcast on November 8, 2025. The council found that certain scenes and dialogue promoted what it described as “distorted relationships,” which violate the obligation for broadcasters to respect national and moral values and uphold the integrity of family life.
Another offending station, NOW TV, was fined due to its drama series “Kıskanmak” (Jealousy). Viewers lodged complaints arguing that the show depicted domestic conflict and normalized violence, presenting a detrimental example to younger audiences. RTÜK determined that the series trivialized serious issues related to family dynamics.
Star TV also drew RTÜK’s ire for its daytime program “Nur Viral ile Sen İstersen” (If You Wish with Nur Viral). The council criticized the show for sensationalizing “distorted, marginal and degenerated relationships” for the sake of ratings, which it claimed contributed to the erosion of social values. The backlash from viewers led to numerous complaints about the program.
While the specific amounts of the fines remain undisclosed, RTÜK has emphasized that these penalties are administrative in nature, reflecting a pattern of strict oversight on media content in Turkey. This trend has raised alarms among rights advocates and opposition parties, who argue that such measures serve as a mechanism for the government to control artistic expression and suppress dissent, particularly against LGBTQ+ narratives.
Concerns about RTÜK’s independence are also mounting, as critics assert that the council operates as a government tool to silence opposing voices and promote a pro-government media agenda. The composition of RTÜK’s board, which is appointed based on the political representation in parliament, allows the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to maintain substantial influence over the council’s decisions.
In 2025, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) reported that RTÜK issued 46 sanctions in the first half of the year, with a staggering 42 of those targeting critical media outlets. The total amount of fines approached 100 million Turkish lira, roughly translating to around 2 million euros.
RTÜK exercises various administrative sanctions under Article 32 of Law No. 6112, which includes warnings, program suspensions, and financial penalties. In extreme cases, the council can impose temporary broadcast suspensions or cancel licenses altogether.
The Turkish government has previously shut down nearly 200 media outlets following a failed coup in July 2016, citing alleged connections to terrorism or propaganda. This crackdown led to the detention of numerous journalists, positioning Turkey as one of the most oppressive environments for press freedom globally. According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Turkey ranks 159th out of 180 countries, reflecting a long-standing struggle for media freedoms in the country.
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