Turkey’s media regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), has mandated that Tele2 Haber, an online news outlet known for its critical stance against the government, apply for two distinct internet broadcasting licenses within a 72-hour timeframe. Failure to comply may result in restrictions on access to the outlet, as reported by local media.
RTÜK’s directive requires Tele2 Haber to secure both an internet television broadcasting license and an on-demand streaming license. The council has indicated that if the applications are not submitted by the specified deadline, it may pursue measures to block access to the outlet. Critics of the move argue that such licensing requirements impose significant financial and administrative burdens, thereby constraining independent journalism and freedom of expression online.
In recent years, RTÜK has faced scrutiny for its enforcement actions against media outlets, particularly those that are critical of the government. In 2025 alone, the regulator issued 99 sanctions and imposed approximately $5.3 million in fines on various media channels, with opposition-leaning broadcasters facing the brunt of these penalties. The expanded authority granted to RTÜK in 2019 to regulate internet broadcasting has led to increased licensing demands on digital platforms, raising concerns about the implications for press freedom in Turkey.
Turkey’s press freedom rankings remain low on international indexes, with regulatory pressures and government oversight cited as major factors undermining independent journalism. The ongoing enforcement of licensing requirements by RTÜK is seen as part of a broader strategy to exert control over media narratives and limit dissenting voices in the digital landscape.
