10 Local TVs Queued For Kurdish Broadcast

Ten local tv stations and radio channels who have applied to RTUK for permissions to broadcast programs in languages and dialects other than Turkish, are yet to be granted permission after having waited 18 months.

BIA News Center

25/08/2005

BİA (Istanbul) - Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan welcomes increased efforts for the implementation of cultural reforms for the Kurds.

Erdoagan responds positively to the warnings coming from "The Citizens Initiative" who urge for increased efforts to bring the Kurdish Question to a "peaceful" end.

The group in a meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prior to his visit to Diyarbakir, had raised the complaint that " Radio and Television Higher Board (RTUK) has been delaying local Kurdish broadcasts for the last seven months."

Erdogan's positive response strengthens expectations that the RTUK will soon take a step.

Ten local TVs queued for Kurdish broadcast

10 local TV channels and radio stations, who have applied to RTUK to broadcast programs in languages and dialects other than Turkish, have been awaiting permission for the last 18 months years.

RTUK had requested the local media to "apply in line with the regulation," or to "fulfill shortcomings," since going into force of the regulation for broadcast in local languages on January 25, 2004.

18 months have passed, yet no national media channel has applied for broadcast in Kurdish language while regional channels applications' still suspend in the air without any reply.

According to the media reports, RTUK is now working on amending the regulation and coming up with a formula to demand an affidavit from local media groups who seek broadcast programs in languages and dialects other than Turkish.

Accordingly, these institutions will present RTUK with an affidavit stating that they will not broadcast separatist programs, programs with the aim of teaching that language, and that the programs will be culturally motivated.

Nazlican FM, Channel 72, Patnos, Medya FM, Genc Imparator, Radio, Gun Radio-TV, Soz Radio-TV, Aktuel Radio and Art TV are expecting RTUK complete formalities and grant the permissions to broadcast programs in languages and dialects other than Turkish. (EO/YE)