Turkey’s media regulator revoked Açık Radio’s licence over its reference to the Armenian genocide, a move set to profoundly affect the representation of minorities and advocacy groups in the country.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) declared the decision on 3 July due to the station’s use of the term ‘Armenian genocide’ during a programme. The station had previously faced fines and temporary suspensions for similar references.
“The reason is that the station continued broadcasting despite being penalised for ‘inciting hatred and hostility’ and not halting the programme as ordered. However, the broadcaster paid the fine but did not stop the broadcast. This should have been interpreted in favour of the broadcaster,” İlhan Taşçı, a RTÜK member, said.
Açık Radio argued that their reference to the Armenian genocide was within the scope of freedom of expression and press freedom. They maintained that their intent was not to defy RTÜK but to comply with the law while upholding journalistic principles. “The cancellation of our licence over a statement protected under freedom of expression is unacceptable,” the station stated.
RTÜK’s decision was criticised by other members, including Necdet İpekyüz, who argued that the council’s mandate does not include making historical judgments. “The council decided that the events of the Armenian deportation cannot be considered genocide. However, the law does not grant RTÜK the authority to make historical assessments,” he noted.
