Turkey’s media watchdog may fine TV channels for reporting graft probe

ISTANBUL

Turkey’s media watchdog could fine eight television channels for their coverage of the bribery and corruption investigation, the daily Cumhuriyet reported yesterday. 

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) acted following Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Turan Çolakkadı’s request for a precaution on “the news that invades the privacy of individuals” and produced a report saying that eight television channels had breached the principle. RTÜK convened yesterday with that agenda. 

The daily said that the eight television channels listed in the report were Halk TV, Samanyolu TV, Samanyolu Haber TV, Bugün TV, Kanaltürk TV, Fox TV, Kanal D and Cem TV.

Three members of the RTÜK reacted to Çolakkadı’s request, saying “The members of RTÜK do not take orders from any offices when performing their duty.” It had also said the watchdog was acting in accordance with the regulations listed in the Constitution and laws and was the warrant of the freedom of the press and expression. 

Sons of two former ministers and the manager of a state-owned bank are among those under arrest as part of the ongoing graft probe.