1 Media Ethics Protection of Minors Self Regulation by RADIO & TELEVISION SUPREME COUNCIL (RTÜK) TURKEY.

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Media Ethics Protection of Minors

Self Regulation

by RADIO & TELEVISION SUPREME COUNCIL (RTÜK) TURKEY

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Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK)

In 1994, Radio and Television Supreme Council was set-up with the Law number of 3984:

● composed of 9 members, elected by Parliament,● responsible for the regulation of all radio and television broadcasters all across Turkey in both technical and content issues;

● frequency allocations● licencing● content monitoring

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Broadcasting market in general

●● Turkey has a great number of radio and television channels (national, regional, local, cable, digital and satellite). There are:

●Television : 23 national, 16 regional, 7 public, 212 local

● Radio : 35 national, 99 regional, 948 local● Satellite : 102 tv, 50 radio channels● Cable : 70 tv channels● Digital : 2 digital platforms

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Broadcasting market in general

● So in total presently together with cable and satellite there are approximately 1300 broadcasters in Turkey.

● Also there is a promising digital market. At present there are 2 digital platforms operating in Turkey. They give numerous channel packages, movie channels, pay-per-view channels, interactive services.

● Recent researchs show that adults watch 5 hours, young viewers 3 hours tv per day.

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Programs in general

● The vast majority of private television channels are considered generalist in terms of their output. ● In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of thematic channels. ● There are several news, music, documentary, sports, children and entertainment channels.

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Broadcasting Principles

Turkish broadcasting Law no 3984 foresees that broadcasts shall be conducted : ● within a spirit of public service, ● in compliance with fundamental rights and freedoms and ● general moral values.

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Broadcasting Principles

Turkish broadcasting law have principles regarding: ● Protection of minors, ● Human dignity, ● Privacy, ● Right of reply, ● Rules regarding advertising, ● Rules regarding political broadcasting, election times,

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Policy Priorities-1

● Given the number of channels and broadcasters (app.1300) how to monitor is an issue?

● RTÜK - a new concept of regulation with development of self-regulatory mechanisms

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Policy Priorities-2

● Besides the solid legal framework already in broadcasting Law no 3984, regarding content monitoring and sanctions procedures, RTÜK is committed to the introduction and development of self-regulatory mechanisms.

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Policy Priorities-3

● With regard to Protection of Children : Mechanisms introduced aim to develop analytical, critical thinking in young people

● With regard to Viewers and Broadcasters : Development of more Interactivity is aimed

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Self- regulatory mechanisms introduced by RTUK

● Step 1 : Launch of “Smart Signs” system on 23 April 2006 at National Day for Children

● Step 2 : Launch of “Viewer Representation” system at 29 September 2006

● Step 3 : Launch of “Media Ethics” project at 3 July 2007

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SMART SIGNS

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Step 1 : Smart Signs System

●“Smart Signs” :

● is designed as an informative classification system, ● for television audience, ● about the content of the programs, ● with regard to protection of minors against harmful content.

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How it works?

●“Smart Signs” :

● was at first valid only for national broadcasters, ● progressively it has extended to the regional and local ones, ● shall be applied to all programmes excluding news bulletins, musical clips, advertisements.

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Background

2 main reasons that led RTÜK for development of a classification system can be stated as:

● increasing complaints of parents on the content, ● requirement of relevant legislation harmonization with EU.

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How it works?

Smart Signs is based on 7 categories:

●● 4 age categories ● suitable for all, ● suitable for ages 7 and up, ● suitable for ages 13 and up, ● suitable for ages 18 and up

●● 3 content categories ● violence/fear, ● sex and ● negative behaviours (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, bad language)

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Age and Content Categories

Violence /fear Sex Negative behaviours

General audience 7 and plus 13 and plus 18 and plus

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How it works?

●● “Smart Signs” system for television programs consists of totally seven pictograms that are,

● easy to be learned,● easy to be recalled and ● informative.

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Follow-up Survey Studies

● Research studies conducted by RTUK has been a helpful tool to evaluate the application of “Smarts Signs” System.

● According to the surveys ¾ of the viewers expressed that they approved “Smart Signs” and that it was effective in their choice of programs.

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VIEWER REPRESENTATION

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Step 2 : Launch of Viewer Representation in National tv Channels

● In September 2006 Supreme Council has initiated “viewer representation” in national tv channels. ● This practice, on voluntary basis, with no compulsory or legal obligation is solely based on Supreme Council’s collaboration with national television channels aiming to contribute to the establishment and development of self regulatory mechanisms in broadcasting.

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How it will work ?

● Each television channel will designate a viewer representative.

● RTUK representative will come together with viewer representatives on a regular basis and communicate on the complaints coming for relevant channels.

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How it will work ?

● Also complaints coming to Supreme Council ‘s new hotline RTÜK Communications Center 444 1 178 will be forwarded to the relevant channels, thus enabling the broadcasters to take into consideration the opinions of the viewers in their broadcasting policies, in their productions.

● System will contribute to the establishment of direct interactivity between television channels and viewers.

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How it will work?

● Television viewers will have the chance of communicating their complaints to the relevant channels if they want to. ● Channels will be able to follow the opinions and complaints of viewers immediately.● Viewers will be able to follow whether their opinions are taken into consideration by broadcasters.

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MEDIA ETHICS

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Step 3 : Media Ethics

● Further to studies carried by RTUK in close co-operation with Television Broadcasters Association and academicians, “Broadcasting Ethical Principles” are signed between RTÜK and broadcasters.

● This study has been another part of self-regulatory approach of RTUK after the launch of “Smart Signs” system and “Viewer Representation” system.

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Aim of the study

● Broadcasting ethical principles consist of 12 fundamental principles such as to be respective to human dignity, to fundamental rights and freedoms which are already existing in Turkish Broadcasting Law No 3984.

● The idea behind this study is to develop self regulatory approach, channels abiding these principles on a voluntary basis not on an obligatory basis.

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Media Ethics Principles-1

Text of the “Broadcasting Ethics Principles” signed between RTÜK and broadcasters reads as follows:

● Being aware of the public importance and responsibility of broadcasting Turkish radio and television broadcasters have declared their commitment to the principles below:

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Media Ethics Principles-2

1. To be respectful to human dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms,

2. To broadcast events and facts impartially, accurately and completely in the framework of freedom of expression and right of information,

3. Not to use broadcasting for unfair aims and interests,4. To pay attention to the protection of plurality and

diversity of opinions,

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Media Ethics Principles-3

5. Not to discriminate, humiliate or be prejudiced against race, language, religion or sex in our broadcasts,

6. To be respectful to right of reply and rectification,7. To act in common sense in times of events or crises

that could cause fear or unrest in public,8. To pay attention not to encourage or to rationalize

violence,

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Media Ethics Principles-4

9. To be respectful to private life,10. To be sensitive towards women’s problems and being

cautious of objectification of women,11. To pay attention to protection of children and young

people from harmful content,12. To pay attention to needs, tastes and sensitivities of

viewers and listeners.

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Media Ethics

● In collaboration with broadcasting organisations, professional organisations and academicians, a guidance booklet will be prepared by RTÜK for the use of broadcasters, in order to establish common standards.● This booklet will be submitted to the use of all parties in the sector.

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● THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION