 |
| A new channel that replaced Samanyolu on Türksat is called “Son Hedef” and has a logo featuring a white “S” on a red background, which is almost identical to that of Samanyolu. |
The new channel that replaced Samanyolu on Türksat is called “Son Hedef” (Latest Target) and has a logo featuring a white “S” on a red background, which is almost identical to that of Samanyolu.
The channel broadcasts some series that had been broadcast by Samanyolu as well as frequent ads by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
More than a dozen television and radio channels owned by the Samanyolu Broadcasting Group were removed from Türksat despite a court order blocking the move earlier this month.
Türksat's controversial move came despite a decision by the Ankara 6th Administrative Court that it submit to the court “the documents, information and legal evidence” it has to justify the removal. The court also urged Türksat to submit its defense within the required legal period.
The TV and radio stations removed from Türksat are as follows: Samanyolu TV, the Samanyolu Haber news channel, Samanyolu TV Europe, Samanyolu Africa, Mehtap TV, Yumurcak TV, MC TV, Dünya TV, Tuna Shopping TV, Irmak TV, MC EU, Ebru TV, Samanyolu Haber Radio, Burç FM, Radyo Mehtap, Dünya Radyo, Radyo Berfin and Radyo Cihan.
Samanyolu Anchorman Kemal Gülen on Wednesday criticized the allocation of the frequencies to other TV channels, stressing that legal process on an appeal on the ban has not been concluded yet.
The broadcasting group is among the few media outlets in Turkey that are critical of the government.
Turkish media have reported that the prosecutor's demand came as part of a criminal investigation into media outlets close to the faith-based Gülen movement, also known as the Hizmet (service) movement.
Published on Today's Zaman, 25 November 2015, Wednesday
