Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK)

Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) is an independent and impartial public legal entity authorized to regulate and supervise visual-audio media services in Türkiye. Established under Article 133 of the Constitution, RTÜK performs functions related to licensing, content monitoring, and sectoral politics development for broadcast, on-demand and on-request services. The Supreme Council, composed of nine members selected by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, acts as a regulatory authority within the framework of freedom of expression and broadcasting ethics, with due regard for the public interest.

Establishment and Legal Foundations

RTÜK was established as an autonomous and impartial public legal entity to create the legal foundation for private radio and television broadcasting in Türkiye. The emergence of private broadcasting in the early 1990s without any legal regulation led to the 1993 constitutional amendment that abolished the state monopoly over radio and television broadcasting and provided a legal basis for private broadcasters.

As part of this process, RTÜK was formally established by Law No. 3984 on the Establishment and Broadcasting of Radio and Television, which came into effect in 1994. In line with evolving broadcasting technologies and the need to align with European Union acquis, Law No. 6112 on the Establishment and Broadcasting Services of Radio and Television came into force on 3 March 2011.

Functions and Powers

RTÜK assumes the responsibility of regulating and monitoring visual-audio media services based on the principles of freedom of expression and access to information. Its functions include granting broadcasting licenses and permits, monitoring compliance of broadcast content with legislation, evaluating viewer and listener complaints, and conducting public opinion research. Broadcasters are required to obtain licenses from RTÜK to operate in terrestrial, digital, satellite, cable and IPTV environments. In addition to direct oversight by the Supreme Council, viewer and listener reports and broadcasters’ self-regulation mechanisms also contribute to the monitoring process.

RTÜK cannot intervene in broadcasts prior to transmission; however, it has the authority to conduct post-broadcast monitoring. Broadcast content is evaluated for compliance with national legislation and international agreements including the European Convention on Transfrontier Television like.

Organizational Structure and Governance

RTÜK consists of nine members selected by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Members serve six-year terms, with one-third renewed every two years. Members elect a president and a vice president from among themselves; the president’s term is two years. The institution’s center organizational structure includes various circle directorates and units. These include the Monitoring and Evaluation, Licensing and Allocation, International Relations, Public Opinion and Broadcasting Research divisions, as well as the Information Technologies and Strategy Development Directorates.

Mission, Vision and Quality Policy

RTÜK’s mission is to formulate policies, regulate and monitor visual-audio media services based on freedom of expression and access to information, while respecting the interests, interest and values of stakeholders. Its vision is to become a leading authority in the sector with international recognition. Its quality policy aims to create a media environment that adheres to ethical principles, supports pluralistic broadcasting and adapts to new communication technologies.

Monitoring Tools and Technological Infrastructure

RTÜK conducts monitoring of broadcasts through the Digital Recording, Archiving and Analysis System (SKAAS). Developed in cooperation with TÜBİTAK, this national system records and analyzes broadcasts 24/7. Monitoring is carried out in three stages: expert review, viewer and listener feedback, and broadcaster self-regulation.

Child Protection Policies and Educational Activities

RTÜK has implemented various projects to protect children from harmful broadcast content. These include the Smart Signage Symbol System, Media Literacy Course, Good Sleep for Children Project, Child Website and Media Literacy Website. These initiatives aim to safeguard children’s physical, mental and moral development and are aligned with Article 8/2 of Law No. 6112 and the Council of Europe’s broadcasting legislation.

International Activities and Representation

RTÜK represents Türkiye in international media regulatory bodies. Since 1994, RTÜK has followed the Council of Europe’s work in the media field and is a founding member of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA). It also collaborates with structures such as the Mediterranean Network of Regulatory Authorities (MNRA) and the Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum.

Research and Public Opinion Surveys

RTÜK takes into account public opinion and trends in formulating broadcasting policies and conducts periodic public opinion surveys for this purpose. In accordance with Article 37 of Law No. 6112, the results of these surveys are shared with the public and relevant stakeholders.

Radio and Television Supreme Council is a national and internationally respected public institution that assumes a regulatory and supervisory role in the visual-audio media sector in Türkiye. With activities that adapt to technological developments, promote ethical broadcasting and prioritize child protection, the institution holds a central position in the media sector. Its operations are shaped in accordance with the principles of transparency, pluralism and public interest.