News channels critical of Erdogan’s admin for bad handling of quake relief banned, fined

Istanbul: The media regulatory body in Turkey has fined three broadcasters for their critical reportage of the Turkey earthquake that killed more than 42,000 people. The three media broadcasters Halk TV, Tele 1 and FOX are known for their editorial line that is critical of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Broadcasters handed fines According to Ilhan Tasci, head of Turkey’s media watchdog, both Halk TV and Tele 1 were fined five per cent of their January revenues while FOX was fined three per cent of their January turnover for separate infractions. He added, “We live in a time when reporting is considered a crime.” Journalist groups condemn move The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement, “Critical journalism during a time of mourning for the tens of thousands of lives lost to the earthquakes may appear harsh, but it can also pave the way to justice for the victims and better regulations to save lives in the future.” “Turkish authorities should revoke the penalties leveled against broadcasters FOX TV Turkey, Halk TV, and TELE1, and refrain from silencing media criticism of the government and its institutions,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna demanded. Nazim Bilgin, the head of Turkey’s Journalists’ Association called the imposition of fines a “crime.” “With these penalties, the criminal members of, who disregard the right of the public to receive news and the right of the earthquake victims to be informed, commit a great crime,” he said.