With the new regulation, time constraints on programs aired in non-Turkish languages and dialects spoken in Turkey have been abolished, the Anatolia news agency reported yesterday.TV and radio stations that wish to air programs in these languages must, however, seek permission from the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). The RTÜK will then evaluate the station’s programming, and if it finds it appropriate, it will grant permission for daily broadcasts and monthly programs.
The previous regulation limited radio programming in non-Turkish languages to a total of five hours per week per station for programs lasting 60 minute or less whereas TV stations were allowed four hours per week for programs that last 45 minutes of less. Furthermore, the old regulation made it obligatory for TV stations to broadcast all non-Turkish programs with Turkish subtitles or air the Turkish-version of the program after its original.
A ban on programs teaching these languages and dialects to viewers was also eliminated.
