A new development has occurred in the legal process that began when RTÜK revoked Açık Radyo’s terrestrial broadcasting license in 2024. The radio station is organizing a press meeting at Tütün Deposu in Istanbul on Tuesday, March 31, in order to share the latest status of the case with the public.
The Silencing Process of a 30-Year-Old Radio Station
The process began following statements made by a guest during the April 24, 2024 broadcast of the Açık Gazete program: “The 109th anniversary of the deportations and massacres that took place on Ottoman lands against Armenians, that is, the massacres referred to as genocide. This year, too, the commemoration of the Armenian genocide has been banned, as you know.” RTÜK cited the presenters’ failure to issue any correction after these remarks. The Supreme Council stated that it had concluded that these expressions were “incompatible with the principles of public responsibility and responsible broadcasting” and were “of a nature that could incite hatred and hostility in society.”
On May 22, 2024, RTÜK imposed a five-day program suspension and a monetary fine on Açık Radyo. Although the station paid the fine and arranged it in installments, its terrestrial broadcasting license was revoked on July 3, 2024, on the grounds that the suspension penalty had not been implemented. As a result, the radio station, which had been broadcasting for nearly 30 years, was forced to cease its FM transmission.
Following the revocation, Açık Radyo filed a legal challenge against the decision. The Ankara 21st Administrative Court initially rejected the request for a stay of execution, and the legal process continued. The closure of the radio station drew reactions both in Turkey and internationally from the press and freedom of expression organizations; numerous listeners and civil society groups launched solidarity campaigns.
Despite the end of its terrestrial broadcasting, the radio did not completely cease its operations. As of November 2024, the institution resumed broadcasting under the name Apaçık Radyo via digital platforms.
In a statement released by Açık Radyo, it was said: “We invite you to Tütün Deposu at 10:00 on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to share the latest developments regarding the Açık Radyo Case, one of the grave examples of violations of freedom of expression and the right to access information.” The statement concluded with a message that the process regarding the case would once again be shared with the public and that the call for solidarity continues.
