The sign language interpreter is a title listed in the Press Card Regulation only in the radio and television list — and is the counterpart of accessibility in the legislation.
The Sub-Paragraph — Art. 26/1-r
Among the titles that may obtain a press card at radio and television organisations: r) Sign language interpreter.
Only in the Radio-TV List
| Type of publication | Sign language interpreter |
|---|---|
| Radio and television | Yes (Art. 26/1-r) |
| TRT | No — assessed within the scope of Art. 25/1-ç |
| Internet news sites | No |
| Anadolu Agency | No |
| News and photo agencies | No |
| Newspapers and magazines | No |
The Place of Accessibility in the Broadcasting Legislation
Law No. 6112 contains arrangements aimed at enabling broadcasting services to be followed by disabled people as well. Within that framework sign language interpreting is part of the service scope of a broadcasting organisation. We covered the detail in RTÜK legislation and Law No. 6112.
The Condition of Working in the News Field — Art. 26/2-f
Its Relationship with the Definition of a Journalist — Art. 4/h
The definition of a journalist uses the criterion of working in the news units for radio and television employees. A sign language interpreter working in the news unit falls within that definition.
The List After the 2024 Amendment
Art. 26/1 was expanded by the addition of sub-paragraph (s) Photographer by Article 6 of Presidential Decision No. 8624 published in the Official Gazette of 6/6/2024, No. 32568. The sign language interpreter is the second-to-last title on the list. We covered the list in full in the title list at radio and television.
Sign Language at TRT
This title is not separately listed for TRT.
Art. 25/1-ç: personnel of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation charged with production and broadcasting within the scope of Law No. 2954 and Article 548 of Presidential Decree No. 4 on the Organisation of Institutions and Organisations Attached to, Related to or Associated with Ministries and Other Institutions and Organisations. Under Art. 25/2 no card is given to those who do not work in the news field.
Conclusion
The sign language interpreter is a title listed in the Press Card Regulation only in the radio and television list (Art. 26/1-r) and is subject to the condition of working in the news field. It does not appear in the other publication-type lists; at TRT it is assessed within the scope of the general sub-paragraph in Art. 25/1-ç.