Turkish Journalist Association condemns Tivibu’s censorship of TV channels critical of gov’t

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

The Turkish Journalist Association (TGC) has condemned the cancelation of the airing of a number of TV channels that are critical of the government, including Bugün TV, Samanyolu Haber and Mehtap TV, by Tivibu, an online TV streaming service provided by TTNet.

“The rulers have reached another critical point in censorship by intervening in the public’s digital broadcasting platform and violating the people’s freedom to acquire information. We want the rulers to reserve this unlawful move,” said the TGC in a written statement on Sept. 28. 

“Tivibu, a digital TV streaming platform of TTNet, which is owned by Türk Telekom, has halted the streaming of Bugün TV, Samanyolu Haber and Mehtap TV ahead of the elections. Their contracts were not renewed without presenting any reason. This shows how illegal acts, oppression and censorship have peaked against TVs. This move in violation of the right of the people to get information is another black mark in media history. Tivibu needs to announce why it halted the streaming of three TV channels,” it added. 

“This move is against the Law on Founding and Broadcasting Services of Radios and TVs, No. 6112, the freedom of press articles in the Constitution, the principle of equality and the Competition Law,” said the TGC, adding that Tivibu needed to end such illegal acts.