Turkey's Media Watchdog Warns Broadcasters on NATO Summit Coverage

Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has issued a formal warning to broadcasters concerning their coverage of the anticipated NATO Summit, scheduled for July 7-8.

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In this critical period where global security and diplomacy topics are intensifying, it is of great importance that our broadcasters observe the public interest and our national security perspective in their news and discussion programs. Our fundamental expectation is that broadcasts are based on verified information, are measured, consider societal sensitivities, and are free from disinformation.

In a statement released via its social media accounts, RTÜK stressed the critical importance of public interest and national security perspectives in news and discussion programs during this period of heightened focus on global security and diplomacy. The council's primary expectation is that broadcasts will be based on verified information, presented in a measured tone, mindful of societal sensitivities, and free from disinformation.

RTÜK affirmed its commitment to balancing freedom of expression with broadcasting responsibility. The council highlighted that its Monitoring and Evaluation Experts are meticulously overseeing all programming related to the summit, ensuring adherence to its significance. This oversight aims to maintain a high standard of professional ethics expected from media organizations operating within Turkey.

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As the Radio and Television Supreme Council, we take the balance between freedom of expression and broadcasting responsibility as our basis, and we strongly remind you that all broadcast flows are being followed with meticulousness appropriate to the importance of the summit by our Monitoring and Evaluation Experts.

The council expressed confidence that broadcasters will act with the professional integrity befitting Turkey's international standing. RTÜK extended its best wishes for success to all media professionals in their duties. The warning serves as a directive to ensure that coverage aligns with national interests and maintains a responsible, informative approach during a key international event.

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We believe that our broadcasters will act with a professional ethic befitting our country's international position, and we wish success to all members of the media in their duties.