# RTÜK sanctions against Sözcü TV and Koza TV

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rtk-sanctions-against-szc-tv-and-koza-tv
> Updated: 2026-10-28T10:06:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has issued multiple rounds of administrative fines and sanctions against Sözcü TV and Koza TV for alleged broadcast violations.

In mid-October, Sözcü TV was penalized for discussions involving journalist İsmail Saymaz regarding Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik. Koza TV was sanctioned for making unverified claims suggesting organized crime within the ruling party. RTÜK member Tuncay Keser dissented from these decisions, arguing that reporting on public interest matters is protected under the right to information.

By late October, further sanctions were issued. Sözcü TV was penalized for commentary regarding the arrest of journalist Murat Ağırel and claims involving AK Party Ankara Deputy Osman Gökçek. Koza TV faced additional sanctions after the Council determined a moderator failed to correct unverified guest statements concerning a fund corruption investigation. Tuncay Keser again criticized the actions, stating that using ‘news accuracy’ to sanction political discussions restricts press freedom.

## Claims

- RTÜK imposed administrative sanctions on Sözcü TV and Koza TV. (reported by 3 sources)
- Sözcü TV was sanctioned for a broadcast on October 25 involving comments on Murat Ağırel's arrest. (reported by 3 sources)
- Koza TV was sanctioned for broadcasts on October 21 and 23 regarding a fund corruption investigation. (reported by 3 sources)
- RTÜK determined Sözcü TV's host created an impression that Murat Ağırel was arrested due to his journalism. (reported by 3 sources)
- Koza TV's moderator failed to correct or question claims made by political guests. (reported by 3 sources)
- RTÜK member Tuncay Keser opposed the sanction decisions. (reported by 2 sources)
- Tuncay Keser stated that the sanctions narrow press freedom and the right to information. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: RTÜK imposes sanctions on Sözcü TV and Koza TV

Turkey's RTÜK has sanctioned Sözcü TV and Koza TV for violating broadcasting principles regarding journalist Murat Ağırel and a fund corruption investigation.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rtk-imposes-sanctions-on-szc-tv-and-koza-tv

### 2026-10-16: RTÜK imposes administrative fines on Sözcü TV and Koza TV

Turkey's RTÜK fined Sözcü TV and Koza TV for broadcasts involving allegations against government officials and the ruling party, citing violations of impartiality and accuracy principles.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rtk-imposes-administrative-fines-on-szc-tv-and-koza-tv

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Cite as: RTÜK sanctions against Sözcü TV and Koza TV. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rtk-sanctions-against-szc-tv-and-koza-tv