The authorities appointed a trustee to pro-opposition broadcaster Tele1 TV on the evening of Oct 24, taking the channel off air during its main news bulletin.
But this was not the first time:
Since 2016, Turkey has systematically seized, shut down, or blocked pro-opposition media outlets, with IMC TV being one of the most prominent examples. Below is a timeline and list of major pro-opposition seizures:
2016–2025: Major Seizures and Closures
2016 Coup Aftermath
Following the failed coup attempt in July 2016, the government used state of emergency powers to initiate an extensive media purge targeting opposition, pro-Kurdish, and minority-focused channels.wikipedia+3
At least 131 media outlets were ordered shut across TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines. Many were linked to the Gülen movement, but pro-Kurdish, Alevi, and minority-focused outlets were also targeted.bbc+2
The General Directorate for Press, Broadcasting, and Information also revoked over 600 journalists’ accreditations.wikipedia
IMC TV (Pro-Kurdish/Minority Channel)
IMC TV was forcibly shut down on 4 October 2016. All its property was confiscated by the Turkish authorities, and the station was taken off-air during a live broadcast.turkishminute+3
IMC TV had previously faced government pressure, including satellite removal in February 2016.broadbandtvnews
The closure was justified by alleged connections to “terrorist propaganda” due to its coverage of Kurdish issues, but the channel was also notable for airing content by and about Armenians, Circassians, and other minorities.aljazeera+1
Other TV, Radio, and Minority Stations (2016)
On 28 September 2016, 12 TV and 11 radio stations were closed, including channels such as Zarok TV (Kurdish children’s programming), Hayatın Sesi TV (leftist), Azadi TV, Jiyan TV, Van TV, Denge TV, TV10 (Alevi), and Özgür Radyo.hrw+3
The closures affected channels known for opposition, minority, or independent reporting.hrw+3
Print and Online Media
Newspapers such as Zaman (Turkey’s largest), Taraf (opposition daily), and magazines with critical stances were seized or closed after 2016.wikipedia+3
Hundreds of journalists lost their jobs, and many faced legal harassment, arrest, or revocation of press cards.rsf+1
Subsequent Years and Ongoing Pattern
The purge pattern continued with periodic shutdowns of critical media and consolidation of ownership under state-linked entities or pro-government figures.turkishminute+2
Notable recent cases (post-2016) include periodic bans on Tele1, Halk TV, Sözcü TV, and the Can Holding seizure that brought Habertürk under de facto state control in 2025—all targeting channels or groups critical of the government.turkishminute+2
Summary Table: Key Pro-Opposition Media Seizures
| Year | Outlet(s) | Action | Stated Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | IMC TV | Forced closure, assets seized | Alleged terror propagandaturkishminute+2 |
| 2016 | Zarok TV, Hayatın Sesi TV, TV10, Azadi TV, … | Closure of 12 TV, 11 radio stations | Minority/critical contentturkishminute+2 |
| 2016 | Zaman, Taraf, Cihan Agency, … | Seizure/closure | Alleged Gülen links, coup falloutwikipedia+2 |
| 2017–2025 | Tele1, Halk TV, Sözcü TV, others | Broadcast bans, license threats | Content critical of governmentturkishminute+2 |
| 2025 | Habertürk, Show TV, Can Holding group | State seizure, management change | Fraud probe, alleged financial crimesturkishminute+2 |
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