Closure of Turkish Radio Station Sparks Outcry Over Press Freedom

The recent shutdown of Istanbul-based independent radio station Acik Radio has drawn widespread condemnation from activists, opposition parties, and international media watchdogs, who view the move as part of Turkey’s escalating crackdown on press freedom.

Turkey’s media regulator, RTUK, revoked Acik Radio’s license, citing non-compliance with a previous fine and suspension. This stemmed from a guest’s comments earlier this year describing the 1915 Armenian killings by Ottoman forces as genocide—a statement RTUK deemed as incitement to public hatred. Despite paying the fine and appealing the decision in court, Acik Radio refused to cease broadcasting, prompting the license revocation.

The station, known for its efforts to bridge Turkey’s cultural and political divides since 1994, has been a hub for diverse voices, including those of minorities. Volunteers produced programs reflecting Turkey’s multicultural landscape, such as Radio Agos, a show dedicated to the Armenian community.

Erol Onderoglu, the Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), described the ban as part of a systematic effort to eliminate media pluralism. “This aligns with the government’s mission to impose a singular, official narrative, stifling minority and independent voices,” Onderoglu said.

The closure has sparked protests in Istanbul’s Kadikoy district, where listeners lamented the loss of a station integral to their daily lives. Protester Mete Atature shared, “Acik Radio always left you with something meaningful. Its absence reflects the broader erosion of free speech in Turkey.”

While Acik Radio has resumed broadcasting online under the name APACIK Radio, its co-founder, Omer Madra, acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. “The atmosphere in Turkey is growing more repressive, but we are determined to fight on with the overwhelming support of our audience,” Madra said.

Opposition parties have denounced the move as another attempt by the government to tighten its grip on the media, further shrinking the space for dissent and independent journalism in Turkey.