The short answer is yes. Article 8/1(m) of Law No. 6112 requires broadcasting services “to ensure that Turkish is used correctly, beautifully and comprehensibly without corrupting its features and rules”, and closes the sentence: “no place may be given to low, coarse and slang use of the language”.
Two sides of one sub-paragraph
| Aspect | Statutory wording | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Positive duty | Shall ensure that Turkish is used correctly, beautifully and comprehensibly without corrupting its features and rules | The broadcaster is under an active duty of care |
| Negative prohibition | No place may be given to low, coarse and slang use of the language | Three separate tests: lowness, coarseness, slang |
The sub-paragraph uses three adjectives and they are not synonyms. An expression that is not slang but coarse, and one that is not coarse but low, both fall within its scope.
Which band the sanction sits in
Article 8/1(m) is not among the grave sub-paragraphs listed in Article 32/1, so a breach is governed by Article 32/2: an administrative fine of one to three per cent of the gross commercial communication revenue for the month preceding detection, not less than TRY 1,000 for radio and TRY 10,000 for television and on-demand services.
But repetition changes the picture
The second track of Article 32/5 builds a separate ladder for sub-paragraphs of Article 8/1 other than (a), (b) and (d): where more than twenty breaches occur within one year of notification of a sanction decision, broadcasting is suspended for up to five days; on repetition of the same breach, five to ten days; on a second repetition, the licence is revoked.
Who is liable in a live broadcast
Liability arising from a broadcast is governed by Article 46/1: “Liability arising from a broadcast belongs to the responsible editor together with the person directing the broadcast or making the programme. This provision does not remove the responsibilities of the broadcasting undertaking under this Law.”
A coarse expression from a guest’s mouth therefore does not transfer liability to the guest. The person directing the broadcast and the responsible editor are liable together with the undertaking. That is why delayed transmission and a power to intervene are not a technical preference but a legal safeguard.
Slang is not the same as insult
Two different provisions are being confused. A coarse or slang expression falls under Article 8/1(m). But where the expression is directed at a specific person, Article 8/1(ç) engages: broadcasting services “may not be contrary to the principle of respect for human dignity and the privacy of private life, and may not contain expressions that are degrading, humiliating or defamatory beyond the limits of criticism in respect of persons or institutions”.
| Situation | Sub-paragraph | Sanction group | Further consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coarse, low or slang language generally | Art. 8/1(m) | Art. 32/2 (1%–3%) | — |
| Degrading or humiliating expression aimed at a person | Art. 8/1(ç) | Art. 32/2 (1%–3%) | A right of reply arises (Art. 18); liability in damages (Art. 18/6) |
| Obscenity | Art. 8/1(n) | Art. 32/1 (2%–5%) | Programme suspended up to five times |
The right of reply dimension
Under Article 18/1 natural and legal persons may send a correction and reply text within sixty days of a broadcast that infringes their honour and dignity or is contrary to the truth; the provider must broadcast it within seven days at the latest, at the same hour and in the same programme. Under Article 18/6 the media service provider and the producer of the programme are jointly and severally liable for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damage arising from broadcasts that infringe personality rights.
Practical safeguards
- Delayed transmission on live output, with a defined power to cut, recorded in writing.
- A guest briefing before transmission, minuted.
- A written language policy for presenters and producers.
- Recordings retained for one year under Article 25/1 — the defence rests on them.
- Language complaints reaching the viewer representative put to the broadcasting board under Article 22.
Language choice is covered in the broadcasting language guide and the allocation of liability in the live broadcast guide.