RTÜK in Albania for the 12th BRAF Meeting
The 12th Annual Meeting of the Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (BRAF), established under the leadership of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), began in Vlora on September 16-18, 2025, hosted by the Albanian Media Authority (AMA).
The main theme of the meeting was “Hate Speech and Freedom of Information in Audiovisual Media and Online Platforms.” In addition to Turkey, regulatory authorities from Azerbaijan (ACRA), Armenia (CTR), Bulgaria (CEM), Georgia (ComCom), Moldova (CA), Serbia (REM), and Greece (NCRT).
Representing RTÜK at the meeting were Supreme Council Member and BRAF Secretary General Dr. Deniz Güçer, Supreme Council Member Tuncay Keser, and Supreme Council Vice President Deniz Güler.
The RTÜK delegation, which visited Albania for the meeting, also visited Kağan Atay, Turkey's Ambassador to Tirana.
During the three-day meeting, which focused on regional cooperation and joint strategies, noteworthy messages were delivered in the opening speeches on hate speech in the media.
Dr. Deniz Güçer: “There is a delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of human dignity.”
Dr. Deniz Güçer, RTÜK Member and BRAF Secretary General, delivered the opening speech of the meeting. Güçer emphasized that hate speech is not only a media issue, but also a global problem that threatens social security.
“Hate speech undermines social trust, deepens divisions, and, if left unchecked, can fuel violence and shake democracy to its foundations,” said Güçer, delivering the following message:
"Our region is characterized by great diversity in terms of language, religion, culture, and perspectives. For this reason, we have specific regional sensitivities. Today, we are at a critical juncture where we must strike a delicate balance between protecting freedom of expression and defending human dignity. This is not an easy task; it is a responsibility that requires coordination, clarity, and determination."
Armela Krasniqi: “BRAF, the region's united voice against hate speech”
Speaking as the host, Armela Krasniqi, President of the Albanian Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), emphasized that the media has a mission not only to inform but also to build bridges between countries. Stating that the main theme of the three-day meeting is hate speech, Krasniqi said:
"Over the next two days, we will address a topic that challenges us greatly: hate speech. Technology is advancing every day, and the transformation we are experiencing makes it difficult to understand how it affects the way we acquire and share information.
The development of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is forcing us to take steps to protect ourselves, and the audiovisual media sector is no exception. Various efforts are underway in Albania to regulate the digital environment. In particular, within the framework of harmonization with the European Union acquis, we are transposing regulations such as the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, the European Media Freedom Act, and the Digital Services Act into our domestic law.
Over these two days, we will have the opportunity to learn about the realities of each participating country and share the best practices we have acquired through our work. This is the best work plan we can have and, in fact, the fundamental mission of this network that brings us together."
Dr. Merve Safa Kavakcı: “Regional cooperation plays a critical role in combating hate speech”
Dr. Merve Safa Kavakcı, First Deputy Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Permanent Secretariat, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in terms of media regulation and combating hate speech in her speech at the 12th Annual Meeting of the the Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (BRAF).
Kavakcı began her speech by expressing her interest in the topic of child protection discussed at the 11th Annual Meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in April, and her excitement to learn about the efforts to combat hate speech, which was the main theme of the 12th Annual Meeting.
Emphasizing that BRAF is a valuable sectoral partner for the BSEC and continues to support the BSEC's goals, Ambassador Dr. Kavakcı stated that despite the difficulties in the region, the BSEC continues to progress successfully. He also provided information about their activities and expressed his hope for the successful completion of the meeting, stating that BRAF always has the support of the BSEC.
From the Last BRAF to Today
Following the opening speeches, the meeting concluded with participating member authorities sharing the developments they have made in the field of audiovisual media in their countries since the 11th Annual Meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on April 14–16, 2025.
BRAF Annual Meeting to Continue with Panels
Following the first day of the meeting, two panels will be held on “Hate Speech and Freedom of Information in Audiovisual Media” and “Hate Speech and Freedom of Information on Online Platforms.” The panels will address ethical principles, legal frameworks, and international perspectives.
RTÜK Vice President Deniz Güler will also share Turkey's legal regulations and monitoring activities with participants under the scope of “Hate Speech and Freedom of Information in Audiovisual Media.”
