President of Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Ebubekir Şahin Speaks at the 4th Media Meeting Consultation Meeting
President of Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Ebubekir Şahin spoke at the 4th Media Meeting Consultation Meeting:
“There is a monster called ratings. Nothing happens without ratings, but are we to abandon all our values, laws and social sensitivities just for the sake of ratings?”
The 4th Media Meeting Consultation Meeting, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), took place at a hotel in Şişli/İstanbul with the participation of producers, screenwriters and actors.
During the meeting, President Şahin addressed the misconception that “If this series was on the channel, it would not be penalized” stating “It is not possible; there are TV series would be penalized which is broadcasted at any channel and there are TV series that would not be subject to any sanctions no matter which channel broadcasted it. It has nothing to do with the channel, my opinion, or my understanding."
President Şahin provided information on what producers should be mindful of, nothing that the most penalties are applied in accordance with Article 8 of the Law No. 6112 on the Establishment of Radio and Television Enterprises and Their Media Services.
President Şahin emphasized that we cannot ignore the violations of the articles specified in the Law and said, “There is a monster called rating. Nothing happens without ratings, but are we to abandon all our values, laws and social sensitivities just for the sake of ratings? The most rating-drawing topics are violence and sexuality. Should we fill our content from start to finish with just violence or sexuality?”
President Şahin who mentioned that his wife and daughter also follow TV series, shared “I am telling you frankly, we cannot watch TV series together. I cannot watch TV series with my wife and daughter. There are moments when I have to turn it off, you might say, “Well, there is a remote control, turn it off. But does everyone have that awareness?”
Ebubekir Şahin underlined the influence of TV series and their characters on society, and said “We live in a society where people name their children after TV characters, where our time periods are arranged around TV series. We live in a society where prayers service for a deceased TV character, who is present here (Oktay KAYNARCA).”