Turkey’s media regulatory body has mandated that Tele2 Haber, an online news platform known for its critical stance towards the government, obtain two distinct internet broadcasting licenses within a 72-hour timeframe or risk access restrictions. This requirement encompasses both an internet television broadcasting license and an on-demand streaming license, reflecting a broader trend in regulatory oversight of digital media.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÃœK), which oversees broadcasting regulations in Turkey, has expanded its authority to include internet-based platforms since 2019. This has enabled the council to impose licensing requirements on various online journalism outlets, significantly impacting their operational capabilities. The imposition of such licenses has been criticized for creating financial and administrative burdens that could undermine independent journalism.
In recent years, RTÃœK has imposed a series of fines and sanctions against media outlets, particularly those with opposition viewpoints. In 2025 alone, the regulator issued 99 sanctions, totaling approximately $5.3 million in fines, targeting news and commentary programs. This trend highlights the challenges faced by independent media in Turkey, where regulatory pressures are perceived to disproportionately affect critical voices.
Licensing demands have increasingly extended to online platforms, with RTÃœK previously ordering YouTube channels, including Cumhuriyet TV, to secure broadcasting licenses within tight deadlines. This regulatory environment raises concerns about the implications for press freedom in Turkey, particularly as media ownership concentration and legal challenges continue to pose significant hurdles for independent journalism.
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