(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is concerned at the suspension of Med TV’s license by the Independent Television Commission (ITC). According to the IFJ’s information, the suspension issued on 22 March 1999 was based on the Commission’s opinion that Med TV had broadcast material “likely to encourage or incite to crime or to lead to disorder” […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is concerned at the suspension of Med TV’s license
by
the Independent Television Commission (ITC). According to the IFJ’s
information, the suspension issued on 22 March 1999 was based on the
Commission’s opinion that Med TV had broadcast material “likely to
encourage
or incite to crime or to lead to disorder” on three occasions in
February.
**Updates IFEX alert of 30 March 1999**
The IFJ is particularly worried at this decision because Med TV provides
cultural and linguistic output to various communities in Europe. It
broadcasts in several languages and celebrates various cultural and
religious traditions. The station’s programming is of particular
interest to
Kurdish communities.
The IFJ believes that the ITC was approached by the Turkish government
in
relation to this suspension. The Turkish authorities cannot be regarded
as
unbiased on this issue, nor does the IFJ believe that their concern with
Med
TV’s broadcast has any foundation in concern for quality in public
service
broadcasting or respect for the rule of law in the United Kingdom. In
the
past the Turkish authorities have reportedly jammed the news broadcasts
of
Med TV irrelevant of it’s right to broadcast being granted by the ITC.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Board of Directors of the ITC:
broadcasting, whilst not commenting on the alleged breaches
the
suppression of ethnic minority culture in Europe
Appeals To
Board of Directors
Independent Television Commission
33 Foley St
London W1P 7LB
United Kingdom
Fax: +44171 306 7800
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
