Turkish authorities revoke Açık Radio’s licence. #AcıkRadyoSusturulamaz

Nationalist hysteria has led to the license revocation of one of Turkey’s best examples of community radio. I am really sad. Açık Radyo was a pioneer in climate crisis-related broadcasting in the country.

Here is a roundup:

Turkey fined Açık Radyo and imposed sanctions on the station due to statements made during a broadcast of their program “Açık Gazete” on April 24, 2024. The incident unfolded as follows:

The Controversial Broadcast

During the April 24 broadcast, a guest on the “Açık Gazete” program made remarks about the Armenian Genocide, stating: “It’s the 109th anniversary of the deportations and massacres, referred to as genocide, that occurred on Ottoman soil. The Armenian genocide commemoration was banned again this year, as you know”[3][5].

RTÜK’s Initial Response

In May 2024, Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) took action against Açık Radyo based on these statements:

1. The station was accused of “inciting hatred or enmity or fostering feelings of hatred in society” under Article 8 of Law No. 6112[3].
2. RTÜK imposed an administrative fine on Açık Radyo.
3. A five-day broadcast suspension was ordered for the “Açık Gazete” program[1][3].

Escalation to License Revocation

The situation escalated in July 2024 when RTÜK revoked Açık Radyo’s broadcasting license. This decision came after the following events:

1. Açık Radyo paid the initial fine but continued broadcasting its programs.
2. RTÜK interpreted this as a violation of the conditions set forth in its original sanction[3].

Reasons Behind the Sanctions

The primary reasons for the sanctions against Açık Radyo appear to be:

1. Use of the term “genocide”: The guest speaker openly used the term “genocide” in reference to the events of 1915, which is a highly sensitive topic in Turkey[6].
2. Alleged violation of broadcasting principles: RTÜK claimed that the broadcast violated principles related to inciting hatred or hostility in society[1][5].

Açık Radyo’s Response

Açık Radyo protested RTÜK’s decision, stating: “It is unacceptable that, on the basis of an expression, which indisputably stands within the scope of freedom of expression and press freedom, voiced during our program ‘Açık Gazete’, we now face the revocation of Açık Radyo’s broadcast license”[3].

This incident has raised concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey, with several international organizations condemning RTÜK’s decision and calling for the reinstatement of Açık Radyo’s license[3].

Citations:
1. Açık Radyo – Kamuoyuna Duyuru I: Radyoya Ceza
2. Açık Radyo – Kamuoyuna Duyuru II: Lisans İptali Hakkında
3. Açık Radyo – Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI) Açık Radyo’nun Lisansını İptal Etme Kararını Kınıyor
4. MLSA Turkey – RTÜK Imposes Broadcast Suspension and Fine on Açık Radyo
5. Agos – Açık Radyo Punished for Mentioning the Armenian Genocide
6. Turkish Minute – Turkey Media Watchdog Revoked Radio Station License Over Armenian Genocide Reference