Kızıl Goncalar: Faces Sanctions for Religious Content Violations

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) reviewed monitoring reports during its regular weekly meeting, responding to over 31,000 complaints from viewers. The council imposed fines and sanctions on several TV and radio channels for violating broadcasting regulations and ethical standards.

“Kızıl Goncalar” Faces Sanctions for Religious Content Violations

RTÜK evaluated complaints about the series Kızıl Goncalar aired on FOX, citing inappropriate language and portrayals that allegedly disrespected Islamic and societal values. The council determined that the series violated Article 6112 of the Broadcasting Law, which prohibits content that conflicts with “national and moral values, general ethics, and the protection of the family.” As a result, RTÜK imposed the maximum administrative fine and a two-episode suspension on the network.

Sanctions for Other Programs on FOX and Beyaz TV

• FOX’s Orta Sayfa, moderated by Doğan Şentürk, received a maximum fine for statements RTÜK deemed unlawful.
• Beyaz TV’s Derin Futbol was penalized for violating the “Principles of Sports Broadcasting” with language deemed offensive and defamatory.

Penalties for TGRT Haber

RTÜK fined TGRT Haber for multiple infractions:

1. Stüdyoda Futbol allegedly defamed referees without evidence, violating the impartiality and accuracy principles of the Broadcasting Law.
2. A branded coffee cup visible on a weekend news broadcast was flagged as hidden commercial communication, leading to an additional fine.

Tele 1 Sanctioned for Multiple Violations

Tele 1 faced significant penalties for content aired on various programs:

• 5. Boyut featured comments about actor Yılmaz Güney’s life that RTÜK deemed to glorify criminal behavior.
• The Forum Hafta Sonu and Gündem Özel programs faced fines for remarks critical of conservative citizens and content describing Türkiye as a “drug hub.”

Halk TV, Flash Haber, SZC, and KRT Receive Fines

RTÜK fined Halk TV for multiple violations, including remarks by İrfan Değirmenci during Halk Meydanı, deemed to promote LGBT+ identity among youth.

• SZC’s Para Politika, hosted by Ebru Baki, faced sanctions for comments critical of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK).
• KRT’s Medyaterapi was fined for comments about government ministers Fahrettin Koca and Vedat Işıkhan.

Flash Haber was fined for remarks in Başkent’te Gündem that allegedly insulted the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and certain societal groups.

Netflix and Other Digital Platforms Under Scrutiny

RTÜK also targeted digital broadcasters. Netflix faced fines and the removal of the Spanish film Pieles from its catalog due to scenes deemed inappropriate.

Radio Stations Penalized

SHOW Radyo received a severe fine for offensive language aired during Kadir Çöpdemir’s program. Additionally, violations on Cadde TV and İlke TV prompted further sanctions.

Conclusion

RTÜK’s recent actions highlight the council’s commitment to enforcing broadcasting standards across platforms, ensuring content aligns with national values and ethical principles. The fines serve as a warning to broadcasters to adhere strictly to Türkiye’s broadcasting laws.