03.04.2026 15:57
RTÜK announced new principle decisions regarding sports broadcasts and published an 8-item list. Accordingly, fights occurring on the field and in the stands will not be shown on screen for an extended period, and images of individuals who enter the field without authorization and engage in actions will not be included. Here are the other items and details.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has published a statement containing new principle decisions regarding the practices that emerged in the broadcasts of sports competitions.
In the statement made by RTÜK, it was stated, "The Radio and Television Supreme Council, within the framework of Law No. 6112 on the Establishment and Broadcasting Services of Radio and Television, examined the report and its annexes of the Directorate of Monitoring and Evaluation regarding the practices that emerged in the broadcasts of sports competitions. As a result of these evaluations, new principle decisions were made to strengthen neutrality, fair representation, and compliance with universal sports values. RTÜK's aim is to ensure that images of the stands and the field are presented neutrally in sports broadcasts, that commentators and analysts refrain from making comments in favor of specific teams or fans, and that a broadcast is provided that does not encourage violence or fanaticism to the viewers. Thus, it is aimed to provide a positive and exemplary sports experience, especially for young viewers; to ensure neutrality in sports, and to offer viewers a safe and positive broadcasting experience," it was expressed.
NEGATIVE PRACTICES IN COMPETITIONS
If the negative aspects identified in the broadcasts of sports competitions are concerned, it was stated, "In the investigations, it was determined that in some broadcasts, banners from the stands were persistently shown and commented on, biased expressions were used in favor of certain teams and fans, and images of people smoking and profane chants were reflected on the screen. It was also observed that fights in the field and stands were shown for a long time and advertisements for products that promote virtual betting and excessive consumption were broadcasted. It was determined that these situations are problematic in terms of equality in sports and broadcasting principles."
BAN ON ADVERTISEMENTS THAT ENCOURAGE VIRTUAL BETTING
In the statement, the principle decisions regarding the broadcasts of sports competitions were listed as follows:
"A peaceful, non-violent language will be used that is appropriate to the spirit and nature of sports and respects its universal values, aimed at creating a positive atmosphere in sports. Banners that harm public order and social peace, contain discrimination, or target a specific team or its fans will not be shown on the screen. No biased or fanaticism-provoking comments will be made about any team, technical staff, manager, fan group, or referees present on the field during domestic preparation and league matches. In live broadcasts of sports competitions; no type of advertisement, including tape advertisements, will be broadcasted except during pauses and halftime. Advertisements that encourage virtual betting will not be broadcasted in live sports competitions, and necessary technological measures will be taken in this regard. Advertisements for products that are not recommended for excessive consumption will not be included, and promotional expressions for the products and services being advertised will not be used. Profane chants and images of people smoking will not be reflected on the screen. Fights occurring in the field and stands will not be shown for a long time, and images of unauthorized individuals entering the field and engaging in actions will not be included." It was stated that these principle decisions were unanimously accepted by the Supreme Council.
Basic Rules of the New Principle Decisions
The principle decisions regarding the broadcasts of sports competitions are binding for our Radio, Television, and On-Demand Broadcasters;
1- A peaceful, non-violent language will be used that is appropriate to the spirit and nature of sports and respects its universal values, aimed at creating a positive atmosphere in sports.
2- Banners that harm public order and social peace, contain discrimination, or target a specific team or its fans will not be shown on the screen.
3- No biased or fanaticism-provoking comments will be made about any team, technical staff, manager, fan group, or referees present on the field during domestic preparation and league matches.
4- No type of advertisement, including tape advertisements, will be broadcasted in live broadcasts of sports competitions, except during pauses and halftime.
5- Advertisements that encourage virtual betting will not be broadcasted in live sports competitions, and necessary technological measures will be taken in this regard.
6- Advertisements for products that are not recommended for excessive consumption will not be included, and promotional expressions for the products and services being advertised will not be used.
7- Profane chants and images of people smoking will not be reflected on the screen.
8- Fights occurring in the field and stands will not be shown for a long time, and images of unauthorized individuals entering the field and engaging in actions will not be included." it has been determined.
It was decided that the relevant principle decisions would be announced to broadcasters by being published on RTÜK's official website. The decision was unanimously accepted by the Supreme Council."