Açık Radyo, one of the oldest radio channels in Turkey, recently had its terrestrial broadcasting license revoked by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). The founder of the radio station, Ömer Madra, explained in an interview with Euronews that the license was not revoked because of the use of the phrase “Armenian genocide” but rather because they failed to suspend their broadcast on specific days as ordered by the regulator. This decision came after the station was fined and suspended for five days for using the controversial phrase during a broadcast about commemorating the 1915-17 events.
Madra expressed that the use of the phrase “Armenian genocide” during the broadcast was taken out of context. He explained that the discussion during the broadcast was about the history of Armenian genocide commemorations and the different political actors’ viewpoints on the issue. Despite appealing the fine and beginning to comply with it, the station did not receive proper notification regarding the dates of the broadcast suspension, leading them to continue their broadcasts as usual. This lack of notification resulted in the revocation of their terrestrial broadcasting license.
The founder of Açık Radyo, who described the last moments of the station’s broadcast with a hint of sadness, expressed hope that the cancellation of their license will be temporarily suspended. However, if they cannot regain their terrestrial broadcasting license, they plan to continue with digital broadcasting. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the legal process and the future of the radio station, Madra remains optimistic about the possibility of returning to the airwaves soon.
The confusion and refusal from RTÜK regarding the station’s petition for a new date for the broadcast ban added to the uncertainty surrounding Açık Radyo’s future. Despite the station’s efforts to appeal the penalty decision and comply with the regulations, the lack of proper notification regarding the broadcast suspension dates ultimately led to the cancellation of their license. This has put the future of Open Radio in jeopardy, as they face challenges with applying for a new terrestrial broadcasting license in a densely populated FM band in Istanbul.
While the fate of Açık Radyo remains uncertain, both Madra and his colleagues remain hopeful about the possibility of resuming their broadcasting activities. They have made preparations for digital broadcasting in case they are unable to regain their terrestrial broadcasting license. Despite the setbacks faced by the station, the team at Açık Radyo is determined to continue providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, as they navigate the challenges imposed by the regulatory decisions.
