Our Republic of Turkiye, which embraces all the oppressed in the world regardless of race, religion, or nationality, has always responded with compassion and mercy to every person who is in trouble and who asks for help.

However, unfortunately, some of our media organizations have been making broadcasts that increase xenophobia towards different segments of our country. The broadcasts in question are carried out in almost every type of broadcast in the audiovisual media. It has been observed that similar content is popularized in serials, news bulletins and programs, generalist broadcasts, and even magazine programs.

It is noteworthy that foreign nationals are always portrayed as bad characters in the broadcasts or that negative news and aspects about these people are constantly shown on the screens. It has been determined that fictional videos originating from social media are also used in broadcasts that portray almost every foreigner in Turkey badly. In the discussions on the television, it was ascertained that the hatred and grudge against the people who took refuge in our country have been pumped, and the rights and freedoms of these people have been threatened.

According to Law No. 6112, which regulates the broadcasting principles of radio and television broadcasting in our country, our media service providers are required to act with an understanding of responsible broadcasting. It is extremely important that our media behave sensitively in order not to mislead the public, do not comply with information whose accuracy is unknown, and do not use content that is not based on official data and explanations in their broadcasts.

 As the Radio and Television Supreme Council, we always expect that the audiovisual media act with the will of sensitivity and responsibility as expected from itself in the law.

It is of no use to anyone to sow the seeds of enmity among society by voicing grudges and hate speeches through broadcasts. We hope that our media will act with this dignity and awareness, and we express our gratitude to all our media organizations who ensure that our people receive accurate news.

Mr. Ebubekir ŞAHİN
PRESIDENT OF THE RADIO AND TELEVISION SUPREME COUNCIL

Published on 07.05.2022