The Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has mandated that online news outlet Tele2 Haber secure two distinct internet broadcasting licenses within a 72-hour timeframe. Failure to comply may result in restricted access to the outlet. The licenses required include an internet television broadcasting license and an on-demand streaming license, signaling continued regulatory scrutiny over digital media in Turkey.
This development is part of a broader trend where RTÜK has increasingly enforced licensing requirements on online journalism. In 2025, RTÜK issued numerous sanctions against media outlets, imposing approximately $5.3 million in fines on 32 different entities. Opposition-aligned broadcasters have faced a disproportionate share of these penalties, with significant sanctions against channels such as Sözcü TV, TELE1, and Halk TV.
Since expanding its authority in 2019 to encompass internet broadcasting, RTÜK has leveraged its regulatory power to impose compliance obligations on digital platforms, including YouTube channels. This has raised concerns among media unions and international watchdogs about the implications for press freedom and the operational viability of independent journalism in Turkey. Critics argue that such regulatory measures create an environment of uncertainty and financial burden for online news outlets.
