Recent Developments in Türkiye’s Media Sector

I. Introduction

Please see below our brief note on the recent developments in the media sector in Türkiye. In summary, with the decision of the Radio and Television Supreme Council ("RTUK") dated December 28, 2023, satellite, wireless and internet broadcasting license fees and broadcast transmission authorization fees for 2024 have been redetermined. These changes necessitate the new alterations/adjustments for organizations operating in the sector. In addition to this, in the same period, the Advertisement Board ruled on the advertisements that mislead consumers and contain unfair commercial activities, and imposed administrative fines and suspension decisions amounting to TRY 2.7 million in total, especially for the advertisements regarding the discount sales in November.

1. RTUK’s Announcement on 2024 Satellite, Cable and Internet Broadcast License Fees and Broadcast Transmission Authorization Fees:

Within the scope of the decision of the Radio and Television Supreme Council dated December 28, 2023, and numbered 2023/51-3, satellite, cable and internet broadcasting license fees and broadcast transmission authorization fees for the year 2024 have been determined. Pursuant to Articles 8/3, 14/3 and 14/4 of the RTUK Satellite Broadcasting Regulation and Cable Broadcasting Regulation and Articles 12/5 and 15/4 of the Regulation on the Presentation of Radio, Television and On-Demand Broadcasts via the Internet; satellite, cable and internet broadcasting license fees and broadcast transmission authorization fees are increased by the annual revaluation rate announced by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance every year, published on the website of the Supreme Council, applied from the beginning of January and collected in accordance with the applicable tariff and Article 42 of the Law on the Establishment of Radio and Television Enterprises and Their Media Services numbered 6112.

For the year 2023, the revaluation rate has been determined as 58.46%, and it was published in the Official Gazette dated November 25, 2023, and numbered 32380, with the number of 554, by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. According to RTUK’s announcement date January 4th, 2024, for the year 2024, media service providers, platform, and infrastructure operators will pay satellite, cable, and internet broadcasting license fees, as well as platform and infrastructure operator broadcasting transmission authorization fees as increased by the revaluation rate of 58.46%. For the updated satellite, cable and internet broadcasting license fees and broadcast transmission authorization fees determined after the increase, please visit, https://www.rtuk.gov.tr/2024-yili-uydu-kablolu-ve-internet-yayin-lisans-ucretleri-ile-yayin-iletim-yetkilendirme-ucretleri-belirlendi/4677

2. Advertisement Board Decisions on the Ads re. the November Sales and the Seasonal Ads

At the meeting of the Advertisement Board numbered 339 held on November 14, 2023, the Advertisement Board decided to impose administrative sanctions on advertisements and unfair commercial activities that mislead or deceive consumers or exploit their lack of experience and knowledge. One of the main agenda items of the meeting was discount sale advertisements and advertisements containing health statements.

The Advertisement Board examined the advertisements commonly seen in November, such as "Legendary November Discounts" and "Fabulous Friday Discounts” and imposed administrative fines of 2.7 million Turkish Liras and broadcast suspensions for 16 discount sale files in November. The Advertisement Board also stated that seasonal advertisements focusing on consumer health have increased with seasonal changes. In this context, it is stated that advertisements for products directly intended for consumer use, such as dietary supplements and cosmetic products, are also meticulously monitored and examined by the Advertisement Board. Administrative sanctions are imposed against advertisements that mislead consumers about possible benefits, endanger public health or violate the legislation.

II. Conclusion

Within the framework of the increase in the license fees determined by RTÜK as explained above and the recent decisions of the Advertisement Board regarding advertisements that mislead consumers and contain unfair commercial activities, the relevant institutions operating in the sector should review their financial planning, as well as review and revise the content of their advertisements accordingly.