Our Statement on Cancellation of Açık Radyo’s Broadcasting License

We are deeply saddened to learn that the broadcasting license of Açık Radyo, which has been on air since June 1995, has been revoked by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) by a majority vote. This decision is concerning regarding the exercise of freedom of press and freedom of expression rights in Türkiye.

Since its establishment, Açık Radyo has made universal thought, expression, and press freedom a fundamental part of its broadcasting principles, promoting pluralism in the media by giving space to diverse ideas, voices, and colors. It has been an important platform that increased the visibility of civil society in the media. For 29 years, it has given voice to civil society representatives on various topics, from volunteerism to active citizenship, civil society support to nature conservation and disasters. During this period, it has brought the diverse agenda of civil society in Türkiye to its broadcasts and amplified the voices of individuals from all segments of society.

It is vital in our country that different views can be freely discussed, various identities can express themselves, civil society can develop, and an enabling environment for civil society can be established. Therefore, we call for the reversal of the decision to revoke the broadcasting license of Açık Radyo, a press platform that has opened significant space for civil society and contributed to its development, in the interest of preserving democratic values and supporting diversity, as well as freedom of thought and expression in our country.