Turkish presidency signals further scrutinizing TV shows on morality basis

The Turkish presidency has discussed steps that can be taken against TV shows that are "immoral and anti-national." According to Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, "the need for being sensitive towards moral and national values" was stressed.

Thursday March 11 2021 12:24 pm

Duvar English

The Turkish presidency has signaled that it might take steps that would pave the way for the authorities to regulate TV shows based on "morals."

During a meeting of the High Advisory Board (YİK) that was chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on March 10, the board members discussed the use of the Turkish language and TV broadcasts with regards to "social values."

"The board members emphasized the importance of broadcasts that suit the principles of protecting the family, national and moral values of the society and public morality and discussed steps that would prevent the wrong use of Turkish on TV," Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said in a written statement.

The High Advisory Board (YİK) meeting held at the presidential palace on March 10 is seen.

According to Altun's statement, Erdoğan said that certain TV shows are based on Western formats in line with the current media age, and stressed the necessity to abide by national and moral values, as well as the use of the language.

Media censorship is common in Turkey, with Turkey's Radio and Television Council (RTÜK) imposing arbitrary fines and sentences to channels critical of the government, while allowing hate speech on pro-government ones.