Minister Göktaş: No Commercial Concerns Should Come Before Our Values and Family Sensitivities
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said "We cannot ignore the commercial concerns of the media. Of course, we understand that. However, no commercial concerns should come before our values and sensitivity to the concept of family.”
Minister Göktaş spoke at the opening of the "Women in Television Series", panel organized at a hotel, which was hosted by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) with the support of the Ankara Representation of the Women and Democracy Association (KADEM) and the International Media Information Association (UMED).
In her speech, Minister Göktaş emphasized the impact of social, political, economic and cultural dynamics of a society while determining the women's role, and added that the TV series hold an important mirror to these dynamics of society.
Ms. Göktaş also stated that the ideas which are in need of change and rejected almost by all women are being normalized, and she continued as follows:
"This is exactly where the problem begins. Nowadays, there are scarcely any TV series like in the 90s, such as Bizimkiler, Mahallenin Muhtarları, Perihan Abla, Süper Baba, which depict unity, solidarity, cooperation and friendship. Instead, mafia family themed, crime-focused TV series that involve constant intrigues between people have increased. Unfortunately, the language in those productions legitimates the violent actions of the perpetrators against women."
Ms. Göktaş reminded that a meeting was held with the producers to discuss these problems and to address the representation of women in television series, and they exchanged ideas on the issues which they approach sensitively, primarily about women, children and family, and mentioned that they invariably support family-friendly productions.
Ms. Göktaş expressed that she is glad to see that they have common sensitivities with the producers, and said: "I wholeheartedly believe that the language used in the media and the representation of women in television will change via strong cooperation in the course of time."
"Empowerment of women means empowerment of the family, empowerment of Türkiye"
Minister Göktaş stated that she believes the family is the most important structure which will grove Türkiye strong, at the second century of the Republic, and therefore, as the Ministry, they act in accordance with the understanding of "strong women, strong family, strong Türkiye".
Ms. Göktaş, underlined the importance of the developments under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during 22 years to advance the rights and freedom of women, and said: "We wholeheartedly believed that empowerment of women means empowerment of the family and empowerment of Türkiye."
"Thousands of complaints about numerous TV series and programs"
Pointing out that the effects of TV series on people and society should be considered, Minister Göktaş said "We all have significant responsibilities on the issues that influence our lives deeply. The Ministry receives thousands of complaints about numerous TV series and programs. We frequently make contact with RTÜK about those complaints."
Ms. Göktaş layed stress on the provisions in RTÜK Law and said; "media services should not be contrary to the national and moral values of the society, public morality and the principle of protection of family." "We are aware that punitive measures and bans are not compatible with the democratic and free broadcasting principles. However, we also do not believe that any broadcast endangering the future of families, women, and children is a matter of freedom either."
Emphasizing that the family is a respectable institution and the people are dignified in every aspect, Ms. Göktaş said; "Spoilt sampling would undermine human dignity through media and it is extremely dangerous. Our producers are aware of this problem. The actors and scriptwriters here are aware of this problem. Henceforth a susceptibility developed in the society towards this problem. It is now imperative for us to put more effort on science, culture, art, literature, and history. "
"Türkiye is the third largest exporter of TV series worldwide."
Minister Göktaş, who stated that it is no longer necessary to talk about how to be protected against the harms of television, but how to benefit from the power of television”, said "This is what will make our country grow. This is what will lead us to the future of our dreams. We cannot overlook the commercial concerns of the media. Of course, we understand that. However, no commercial concerns should override our values and concerns about the families.”
Indicating that Türkiye is now a world brand in TV series industry, Göktaş stated that a study highlighted the global demand of Turkish TV series which increased 184 percent between 2020 and 2023.
Stating that the economic value of Turkish TV series in the international arena is increasing from day to day and that TV series are important instruments in the field of international diplomacy, Göktaş said:
"Türkiye is the third largest exporter of TV series worldwide. We all want each exported TV series to represent our country in the best way possible. Therefore, we should be more careful and attentive when presenting our country, the Turkish family structure and our women. Turkish TV series and productions are great opportunities for the promotion of our country."
Stating that television series are important opportunity to express the good, the decency and the truth, Göktaş said "We strongly believe that offering equal opportunities to women in this field will positively affect women's representation."
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those women”
Pointing out the importance of commemorating all together the International Women’s Day (March 8), Minister Göktaş phrased; “Unfortunately, in some regions women are not able to celebrate this day. Our thoughts and prayers are with those women who are under bombs in Palestine, Gaza and other oppressed countries.”
Minister of Family and Social Services Göktaş expressed her wishes that this week will lead to new horizons and opportunities for the women of our country and the world in all areas, from media to art, employment to politics, and concluded “I sincerely believe that the Century of Türkiye will be marked as the century of women."