Türkiye’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÃœK) has adopted a set of binding principles aimed at strengthening neutrality, fair representation, and alignment with universal sports values in sports broadcasts across radio, television, and on-demand platforms.
According to an official statement released on April 3, 2026, the decision follows an evaluation of a report by RTÃœK’s Monitoring and Evaluation Department under Law No. 6112 on the Establishment and Broadcasting Services of Radio and Television.
The review identified several concerning practices in sports coverage, including the repeated focus on crowd banners, biased commentary favoring specific teams or fan groups, the broadcast of vulgar chants, and the display of individuals smoking. It also noted that fights occurring on the field or in the stands were shown for extended periods, and that advertisements promoting online betting and excessive consumption were being aired—practices deemed inconsistent with fairness and broadcasting standards.
In response, RTÃœK unanimously approved a series of binding rules for broadcasters, including the following key principles:
- Broadcasters must use language that aligns with the spirit of sports, avoids violence, and promotes a positive atmosphere.
- No banners displayed in stadiums that contain discriminatory, divisive, or public-order–threatening messages will be shown on screen.
- Commentators must avoid biased or fan-driven remarks that could provoke favoritism toward specific teams, players, or groups during domestic matches.
- No advertisements, including static or banner ads, will be shown during live broadcasts of sports events, except during breaks and halftime.
- Ads promoting online betting will be prohibited during live sports broadcasts, with broadcasters required to implement technical safeguards.
- Advertising for products associated with excessive consumption will be restricted, and promotional language encouraging consumption will not be used.
- Vulgar chants and images of individuals smoking will not be broadcast.
- Fights in the stands or on the field will not be shown for extended durations, and unauthorized pitch invasions will not be aired.
RTÜK stated that the goal of these measures is to ensure that sports broadcasts present stadium and on-field visuals in an objective manner, encourage commentators to remain neutral, and avoid content that promotes violence or fanaticism. The council also emphasized its intention to provide viewers—especially younger audiences—with a positive and responsible sports viewing experience while reinforcing fairness and broadcast integrity.