From Censor to CEO: Former RTÜK Head’s Türk Telekom Appointment Sparks Outcry Over Media Control

A Censor Rewarded: The Türk Telekom Connection

The appointment of Ebubekir Şahin, the former Chairman of Turkey’s powerful media watchdog, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), as the new head of telecommunications giant Türk Telekom has ignited fierce criticism from opposition figures and press freedom advocates.

Critics argue that the move represents the government rewarding a loyalist for systematically suppressing dissent and constitutes an alarming extension of state control from the airwaves to the core communications infrastructure.

During his tenure at RTÜK, Şahin became the face of a regulatory regime widely criticized for acting as an instrument of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to silence independent and opposition broadcasters.

The “Dirt Sheet”: Şahin’s Controversial Record at RTÜK

Ebubekir Şahin’s leadership at RTÜK was defined by an unprecedented wave of punitive actions, predominantly targeting a handful of critical, pro-opposition channels, including Halk TV, Tele1, and Sözcü TV.

Systematic Censorship Tactics:

• Screen Blackouts: Şahin’s RTÜK frequently imposed total broadcast suspensions (known as “screen blackouts”) on opposition channels for days at a time. This economically crippling penalty was often levied over political commentary that was critical of the government or its allies.
  • Example: Tele1 faced multiple blackouts, including one for a presenter’s comments labeling the 2016 coup attempt as an “Islamist coup,” which the body controversially ruled as “incitement to hatred.”
• Maximum Fines: The regulator repeatedly issued the maximum administrative fine (up to 5% of monthly advertising revenue) against these outlets, creating an unbearable financial burden that threatened their operational viability.

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• Targeting Political Criticism: Sanctions were routinely applied when politicians or guests on these channels criticized government policy, alleged corruption involving pro-government foundations, or judicial decisions. Şahin often personally promised “the harshest sanctions” against perceived disrespect toward the state or its leaders.

In 2025 alone, international human rights groups and opposition RTÜK members consistently documented that the vast majority of all sanctions—including broadcast bans and heavy fines—were disproportionately directed at these few critical broadcasters.

Crisis Deepens: The Tele1 Takeover

The controversy surrounding Şahin’s new role is compounded by the fate of one of his primary targets: Tele1.

Just weeks after Şahin’s appointment, the financial assets and management of the critical opposition channel, Tele1, were reportedly turned over to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF), an agency effectively controlled by the government.

This seizure of the opposition outlet, combined with the promotion of the former censor to control a national strategic asset like Türk Telekom, solidifies the fear among critics that the government is seeking complete dominance over both content and communications infrastructure in Turkey. It signals a move to centralize control over all platforms through which dissenting information might flow.

Şahin’s Career Trajectory: From Regulator to Telecom CEO

Adding fuel to the controversy is Şahin’s professional background, which lacks direct executive experience in the technical or commercial operations of a major telecommunications firm.

Şahin graduated from Anadolu University, Faculty of Communication Sciences. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Law and a PhD in Communications Science. His career has been predominantly focused on the public sector and media administration. Prior to leading RTÜK, his roles included:

• General Director of the Press and Information Agency (BYEGM): A state body responsible for press credentials and public relations.
• Various posts within the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the General Directorate of Foundations.
• RTÜK Chairman: His most recent and politically charged role, where he served as the country’s chief media censor.