Media Ownership and Financing in Turkey

Home , A Haber, BeIN Media Group, Cihan News Agency, Cine5, Dream TV (Turkey), Halkbank

sector has been and always will be at the heart and core at ofthis the odyssey. be heart will andalways been has sector dicates acountry’s longandbumpy roadto democracy. Undoubtedly, the media in this research Overall, conglomerates. establishment andmedia the political between links financial the close details This report decade. for the last peak its getting reliablefrom andaccurate information. at Political clientelism been has However, the citizens prevents concentrated structure highly ownership media and38 radiochannels national, inthe 100 country.tions, and921 local regional national papers. are approximately inTurkey, circulating 3,100 newspapers 180 including some functions. democratic public interest its andfulfill serve fourth estate, cannot the as ideally branch. Insuch the anenvironment, utive, andlegislative media, ofabiggerproblem whichthe is consolidation exec apart ofthe just judicial, is sector Media finances. ofmedia dueto this lackoftransparency used have been analyses andin-depth news reports previous sources, Reliable secondary ket. data on the financial toaccess get to impossible basic most mar Turkish media inthe structure country. media However, dysfunctional al deeply been ithas the leading to reader comprehend andfigures a facts aims to some provide It andfinances. ownership integrity: twoindicators ofmedia only emphasizes This research onmany levels. where lacks the system notionofintegrity media Yet, ina are trapped journalists the other Those sideofthe coin quite is grim. odds. eager to do all their profession against journalists qualified andhighly ed 1 Council (RTÜK Council According diverse. seems to the 2014 andTelevision ofthe data Radio Supreme scene also million. The broadcasting of 77.6 a population with copies in a country At times it gives hope since it has a dynamic youth andacoterie adynamic ofwell-educat since ithas At hope itgives times At the aglance, Turkish quite since diverse to there be scene seems media dyatava.com/tiraj. Accessed 29 October 2015. Accessed 29 October dyatava.com/tiraj. For in Turkey, of national total numbers circulation newspapers daily http://www.me see: - Turkey atmosphere around that many amedia contradictions. revolves has by MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INTRODUCTION AND CLIENTELISM CONCENTRATION INCREASING ASLI TUNÇ ), there are sta 23 national, television 17 local and205 regional 1 The total circulation of national daily newspapers is 4,304,906 circulation ofnational The daily newspapers total

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MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS key personnel are appointed based on party affiliation. onparty Forinstance, thedi are based appointed personnel key andRadio Television (TRT 3 2 Tunç, ofTRT al structure to the AA inthedebts amount of1.2millionTurkish (approximately liras 423,000 dollars) to repay have subscription that outlets failed pro-government media revealed ( 24 On 2014, audited. financially July gets Republican’s never cy Party People 50Almost percent ofAA to generalKemal therector Öztürk government. the adviser press is former AKP party the ruling establishment (particularly the political relationship close between creasingly anin allowed andmergers has are This opaque. tenders, Deals, the public. information ownership to to disclose media requiring Thereis nolegislation inthe that table 2inthe indetail Appendix. elaborated is nal cross-ownership currently concentrated is highly structure ownership ofdiago interms Media integrity, to media risk greatest role the ofthe disregarding democratic media. establishment are definitely companiestherelations with political the ofmedia the government awardsclientelist the These to contracts the conglomerates. for Inreturn the promotion, andmanipulating facts. propaganda by making to promote arm government interests use their media they Thus, government. conglomeratesfrom These in public compete the tenders and get contracts telecommunications. energy, construction, banking, such as mining, sectors, byalarge conglomerate channel invarious operating owned is or television major newspaper every and therefore In simplenews to a turn profit. terms, reliable as sources of seen to be outlets for the madeitimpossible media has and President Tayyip Erdoğan’s totalintolerance the slightest to criticism, even government, presence ofasingle-party imposing Themassive, no longertrue. ure ofthe Justice (AKP Party andDevelopment interests. their business With the serve ten and for benefit ments their own coalition govern companies could ofweak make Media use crative business. CHP cy_353955.html. 2015. Accessed 27 September http://www.todayszaman.com/business_pro-govt-media-fails-to-pay-debts-to-state-agen See tions.org/sites/default/files/mapping-digital-media-turkey-20120423.pdf. Accessed 29 October 2015. Accessed 29 October During most of the past two decades, owning a media outlet had been a lu outlethad been amedia owning two decades, ofthe past most During 1 The Radio and The Law (no.2954)the organisation centralised Television The state news agency Anadolu Agency agency (AA The state news WITH CLIENTELIST TIES MEDIA OWNERSHIP – LARGE CONGLOMERATES ), the main opposition party, submitted a parliamentary question which question party,), the mainopposition aparliamentary submitted Mapping Digital MediaMapping: Turkey, Digital - 2012. Available https://www.opensocietyfounda at: . 3 ’ss and NGO body, ofacademia, representatives removing ), the Islamic networks, and media conglomerates. andmedia ), the Islamicnetworks, ’s bythe Treasury shares are andthe owned agen ) are the andtheir mouthpieces for the government, ) and public broadcaster Turkish) andpublicbroadcaster ) government since 2002, this is 2

------MANIPULATING FACTS. PROPAGANDA AND INTERESTS BY MAKING PROMOTE GOVERNMENT THEIR MEDIA ARM TO THUS, THEY USE THE GOVERNMENT. CONTRACTS FROM TENDERS AND GET COMPETE IN PUBLIC THESE CONGLOMERATES TELECOMMUNICATIONS. BANKING, ENERGY, MINING, CONSTRUCTION, SECTORS, SUCH AS OPERATING IN VARIOUS CONGLOMERATE IS OWNED BY A LARGE TELEVISION CHANNEL NEWSPAPER OR EVERY MAJOR

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 2 22 of public and commercial revenues. The major sources of funding aresources broad Themajor of of publicandcommercial revenues. to establish only one radio and only one television station; and(ii)ashareholdto onlyone radioandonlyonetelevision establish onthe share no.3984) limit(Law whereby focused (i)acompany allowed was was definitely a turning point in regulation of media ownership in ownership the country.point definitely ofmedia in a regulation turning was national stations allat andYamaner once (Cankaya um-sized) 240). This 2006, and 30 and regional (medi company local a media 244 to enabled ments own byRTÜK commissioned Aresearch ownership. Eventually,ership restrictions. onmedia restrictions there nolegal remained company. However,cross-own of the was removal change significant the most to reach for impossible any almost broadcasting cating that limitwas the legal percent, exceedshare indi was 50 Thehighest at 16 recorded the time percent. should not inanenterprise group oracapital share of a natural person orlegal then the percent, capital exceeds 20 or a radioenterprise share in a television no. the (Law share ratios were redefined 4756)the broadcasters, 2002. in aof andpressureresult intense coming lobbying As from regulations. casting to amendments the broad anddemanded restrictions, to these lobbyagainst However, sectors. companies began in2002,print andbroadcasting bigmedia between cross-ownership limited initially also provision This their totalstock. ofapplies to thepercent 20 restriction stations, shares inseveral owned if they er inany station could given notholdmore while than percent 20 ofthe shares, Parliament woninthe election. in seats onparties’ the depends ofnominees The number parties. by political nominated ofcandidates apool from years ofsix the Parliament for aperiod by elected ninemembers The composition. has council political ofits cause entity, anautonomousConstitution publiclegal as be independence lacks 2005, 296). (Barış avoidance any ...andcareful from controversial engagement with ject issues” position ofstate the ment and/orgovernment onalmost any sub ofthe official endorse of“its permanent because questioned have andrevenues been system TRT in combination the from national ashare budget. with allocated andVTR music sets andradioreceivers, the generated from saleoftelevision (license) fee casting professional organisations the from TRT 4 According law, to the amended oraudience ifthe average annual viewership In order to concentration prevent RTÜK structure, ownership ofmedia (DE)REGULATION OF MEDIA OWNERSHIP 1.1 At the sametime,the regulator, RTÜK Cankaya, “TRT Cankaya, er-oluyor-ne-olmali. 2015. Accessed 23 September pen?], Bianet, 8April Available 2008. http://bianet.org/biamag/bianet/106180-trtde-nel at: - ’de on in TRT Going is Neler Oluyor?NeOlmalı?” [What s and 2 percent of the electricity fee paid by each consumer byeach paid fee s and2percent ofthe electricity board. , despite its clear definitionin clear the its , despite 4 TRT showed that showed the 2002 amend is funded byacombination funded is ? What should hap- ’s financing first ------

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 3 22 6 5 Tunç, vate channels like nels (139 and293 cable satellite channels). Today, TRT besides chan channels and 432 paid-per-view free-to-air al, 16 local and205 regional andsatellite terrestrial platforms. between areforms splitevenly main channelsthree enjoy a 34.6 percent audience share), plat and reception 2002 and2008. between national and30 international mergers place took andacquisition transactions in national and internationaled According mergers. 35 to (2009), Ceren Sözeri ers where foreign investors shareholders. could become provid the share cap onforeign capital to 50 service percent andto twomedia no.6112 ofthe Law raised 19, theArticle ban. (f) paragraph to bypass were used to showthat interest inthe started Turkish sector, media methods andvarious Turkey.obstacle to thecapital asignificant foreign created had provision This andcould notholdshares in inmore enterprise than oneenterprise casting foreign investor more could than notown 25percent ofthe shares ofabroad shareholdingeign rate sector. inthe broadcasting law, Under the previous a onthe market. tion revenues getting more from ganisation than 30 percent of all commercial communica or sought arrangement amedia to prevent This market. olisation inthe media monop andpreventing competition for protecting criteria were consideredas andotherof commercial sponsorships communication, revenues advertising law, Unlike the stations. previous radioortelevision to own theallowed share administrations are not andlocal associations co-ops, organisations, fessional pro only. to corporations granted stations is trade unions, Political parties, law, the with previous As isations. the to radioandtelevision right establish 150 million people in the Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia andthe MiddleEast. Central Asia Caucasus, 150 inthe Balkans, millionpeople where the Turkish audience anestimated of140- -that spoken is is, language Foreign areas twenty the investors target million households. geographical also the establishment organregulates ofandshare ratio inradioandtelevision Turkey’s ofbigchannels (the dominated byahandful is landscape television 1.2 immediately ownership result approach media liberal This to regulating the limitofthe no.6112 the for Law amendments, increased these Besides tions.org/sites/default/files/mapping-digital-media-turkey-20120423.pdf. pay-tv-operator-digiturk. Accessed 27 September 2015. Accessed 27 September pay-tv-operator-digiturk. - https://technology.ihs.com/545765/bein-media-completes-the-acquisition-of-turkish See 2015. Accessed 29 October Turkish Turkey the TV is largest byitself no.6112). (Law introduced 19 law Article was broadcasting In 2011, anew TELEVISION MARKET Mapping Digital MediaMapping: Turkey, Digital - 2012. Available https://www.opensocietyfounda at: TV market comprises 678 television channels, including 25nation 678 market channels, comprises television Kanal D, ATV , Show market in South East Europe TV with East market inSouth TV , Star

TV and others, which air free which air free and others, , there are pri 5 in ------6

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 4 22 founded through aninternationalfounded andthe firstnational chan partnership CNN Group and TimeMedia Warner. CNNTürk channels CNNTürk such as news also their ratingsare quite There high. are companies, ofmedia stances ideological a series of major anti-government social rallies, since the channel pen aired rallies, ofmajor anti-government social a series Park Protests, Gezi during drastically inthis channelthe dropped publictrust ratings data in theirratings data favour. the of reliabilitycredibility Thus, and inorder the to distort gifts lavish the ofsending viewers stations were accused companies andTV production the across industry. Local were leaked widely data viewing metersto collect people with byNielsen equipped households around the TV revolving dal on average around 4.81 hoursaday watching TV market (Marketing research Türkiyeto the media 2014), Turkish spend people are bulletins extremely showsandhourly news popular.time news According Firm). (KalyonConstruction sector inthe involved construction heavily itself Holding, byZirve Itment. owned is 11 10 9 8 7 Company ( Television stations. toments certain Audience Joint Committee Research Stock advertise audiencerole inallocating plays asignificant research measurement the Turkish franchise. to urge were CNNInternational collected namefrom toonline petitions pullits and of government pressure on media the mainstream symbol a became This whilethere were bigdemonstrations onTaksim documentaries guin Square. coverage inanother nationalnellanguage. to 24-hour news offer the station’s outside nel managed It the first Atlanta also chan is headquarters. , andD-Smart of charge. platforms likepayable Digiturk There digital are also avoid receiving a huge tax fine as they did in 2009. ATV didin as they fine avoid ahuge tax receiving the holding’s sector, investments inthe energy cautiously to Group acts Doğan involving the AKP by extensively scandals coveringseveral data. Kanal the audience channels. shares ofmajor television

Since the majority in the country gets their news from television, prime- television, from their news gets Since the inthe majority country Although all 24-hour news channels are notcovered bythe rating news system, Although all24-hour See http://www.doganholding.com.tr/en/business-areas/broadcasting.aspx. See See http://tiak.com.tr/eng/sirketinamaci.htm. Accessed 20 September 2015. September Accessed 20 http://tiak.com.tr/eng/sirketinamaci.htm. See 2015.Accessed 15 September userfiles/file/Marketing_Türkiye_15.03.2014.pdf. 2015.October 31 Accessed Marketing Türkiye, 15 March 2014, p.64. Available http://www.sbtanaliz.com/images/ at: 2015. com.tr/_files/yatirimci-sunumu/yatirimci_sunumu_2014_03.pdf. 3November Accessed , March 2014. Available Investor Presentation http://www.doganholding. Holding, at: Doğan 2015. Accessed 3November http://www.turkeyhomeofcontent.com/factsdetail.aspx. See 8 This channel is owned by Doğan Group which drew Groupthe government’s whichDoğan drew by This channelis owned ire is the leading channel theD is leading byan audience share of10.77 percent in allday TIAK Televizyon AnonimSirketi) IzlemeArastirmalari rating inTurkey. system Theidentities of the 2,500 which is a joint venture between Doğan Doğan whichajoint venture is between is Turkey’s is channel first television . 9 11 Although the news reflects reflects Although the news In2011, ascan there was is strongly pro-govern is . However, of because TV 10 However,

audience measures measures . ------7

4.81 HOURS A DAY A 4.81 HOURS WATCHING TV. AVERAGE AROUND PEOPLE SPEND ON RESEARCH, TURKISH TO THE MEDIA MARKET POPULAR. ACCORDING ARE EXTREMELY NEWS BULLETINS SHOWS AND HOURLY PRIME-TIME NEWS FROM TELEVISION, GETS THEIR NEWS IN THE COUNTRY SINCE THE MAJORITY

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 5 22 the Gülen movement has opposed for decades. the opposed Gülenmovement has rapprochement stanceIsrael towards and thepursued with Kurdish the amore government confrontational took as to crumble government began and the AKP Gülenists between Thealliance relations transparent. are never Koza İpeksector. have share also asignificant in the media their organic Yet, as such and the country. Feza side andoutside groups, media Gülen-affiliated , Gazete Zaman tional newspapers, 14 13 12 2014 of first quarter amounted to 63 milliondollars. to inthe pro-government given dailies publicads to Company Nielsen AdEx, According in16 outlets. campaign pro-government media major advertisement bythe Treasury, owned partly celebrated 175th its anniversary, a itlaunched advertising. ofstate allocation throughgovernment to is the manipulate selective the media most pressure.way The convenienteasy forface tremendous financial the and prosecutions. criminal by orharassed conditionsthose fired are often to accept whorefuse andcolumnists Journalists to the public. leaks possible Topspondents. in order to prevent salaries receive sky-rocketing editors-in-chief editors aprofessional and reflex among corre become andnorm censorship has Self- care. great with the removed with government is links close their bosses’ ize item, that opinion,orphotograph any might news jeopard newsrooms, dailies’ Inthe nonexistent. situation mainstream ofeconomic almost is in-depth analysis and coverage thatcorruption offinancial the deep news so become ernment has AGB contract with its TIAK ended aresult, As compromised. was data measurement schools and colleges inTurkey and colleges schools andabroad, andextensive interests in business through of hundreds power andsocial economic enormous Gülen network has Movement). the network (Hizmet GülenIslamist to thegovernment was AKP until 2013, allies oneofthe key Infact, the against government. which turned the from company’s funding print advertisements.

For telecom instance, whenthe Türk provider leading Telekom, which is coverage ofthe government oncritical insisting ofnewspapers A handful The conflict of interest in relations between media companies andmedia companies thegov The of conflict interestbetween in relations 1.3 Democracy in Crisis: Corruption, Media, and Media, Powerin Turkey Corruption, , 2014. in Crisis: Democracy Freedom House, Press-Freedom-in-Turkey-Turkey-Task-Force.pdf. 2015. Accessed 3November Available http://www.rethinkinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Diminishing- at: Rethink Institute, Freedom Diminishing in Turkey Press , RethinkPaper 18, 2014. November 2015. Accessed3November http://www.kantarmedia-audiences.com. See Zaman PRINT MEDIA MARKET -year contract Kantar Media. with andmadea4-year Nielsen , Sözcü , Today’s Zaman Taraf , Today’s Zaman , , andBugün BirGün , Bugün andYeni bythe were Asya notsupported dailies belong to belong the Gülenmovement dailies , Cumhuriyet 14 14 13 Notsurprisingly, opposi , Meydan 12

, Millet PKK , which , Milli - - - - - ALMOST NONEXISTENT. ECONOMIC SITUATION IS DEPTH ANALYSIS OF CORRUPTION AND IN- OF FINANCIAL THE NEWS COVERAGE BECOME SO DEEP THAT GOVERNMENT HAS COMPANIES AND THE BETWEEN MEDIA INTEREST IN RELATIONS THE CONFLICT OF

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 6 22 was registered as ‘0’ in these sales, which according to sales, Taraf ‘0’inthese as registered was 16 15 Minister andnowPresidentPrime Erdoğan’s the during surfaced namealso on 25December.environment Bayraktar Erdoğan planning andurban Then in’sthe AKP figures key notably ofthen most minister of several government, to of the andled resignation escalated immediately Theprobe Halkbank. bank transfer andofthegoldto illegal Iranthroughtion schemes the state-owned to construc facilitate ofbribery were accused inthe scandal embroiled pects oncharges to Themany ofbribery. thewere AKP arrested sus men connected columnist. aregular in-law as Sabah Sabah daily pendent paper bythe President’s emerge which owned Thenews they after ruptcy friends. into to force bank newspapers are assessed penalties tax Arbitrary voices. cal byallnewspapers.”ticed VAT the “accused months ofevading fourteen sinceabout was 2012, andthe paper intimidated audit underfinancial for was in2014. Thenewspaper newspaper to the Taraf issued fineinwas the amount of2.2milliondollars evasion cent tax in May 2012 of the company’s head as Beki group Akif media adviser media Erdoğan former andashopping mall,appointed business distribution agas Group, which runs by the government against theowner. finelevied tax Thebuyer, Demirören the hands, using behind-the-scenes pressure to control criti behind-the-scenes coverage using andmuzzle hands, re the most inthe section), following discussed be Group (which will in2009 Doğan fineon the tax the major Besides outlets. media critical on fines evasion that way, independence. editorial its retain itcan bythe Cumhuriyet Foundation. owned line,is editorial In democratic of social youth. onlinebyleft-wing Cumhuriyet andcirculated read unions, by various funded it is other dailies,

It is also commonly believed that forced Erdoğan asaleofthe onceIt inde commonly believed also is graft-probe-reveals-turkey-media-grab. Accessed 5 September 2015. Accessed 5September graft-probe-reveals-turkey-media-grab. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-03-03/erdogan-thwarts-murdoch-as- See Press-Freedom-in-Turkey-Turkey-Task-Force.pdf. 2015. Accessed 3November Available http://www.rethinkinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Diminishing- at: Rethink Institute, Freedom Diminishing in Turkey Press , RethinkPaper 18, 2014. November On 17 December 2013, three ministers’ sons, amayor,On 17 2013, ministers’ sons, three December business andseveral into ongettingfriendly major media focused been President has Erdoğan toOne ofthe tax change major the patterns weapons imposing ownership is 1.4 BirGün SCANDALS THAT SHOOK THE MEDIA SECTOR tax on its scrap paper sales to paper mills. Specifically, the VAT mills. to paper sales paper scrap onits tax is now an unofficial government mouthpiece, nowanunofficial is Erdoğan’semploying son- Milliyet is a socialist newspaper with a small circulation of27,000. asmallcirculation with Unlike newspaper asocialist is . was sold in2011 sold was to a consortium of businessmen led by his son-in-law. byhis led ofbusinessmen to aconsortium 15 15 16 16 to help raise money for a3,800milliondollar to money help raise s, and sponsors. It widely is and sponsors. s, NGO has a long history alonghistory has is legal andprac legal is tax amount tax ------

PRESIDENT’S FRIENDS. OWNED BY THE WHICH THEY EMERGE BANKRUPTCY AFTER NEWSPAPERS INTO ASSESSED TO FORCE TAX PENALTIES ARE VOICES. ARBITRARY AND MUZZLE CRITICAL CONTROL COVERAGE SCENES PRESSURE TO USING BEHIND-THE- INTO FRIENDLY HANDS, GETTING MAJOR MEDIA HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 7 22 expenses including office rent, bills, taxes, salaries of correspondents.” salaries taxes, including office bills, expenses rent, per money. For (acolumnist inpro-government newspa instance Mehmet Barlas to make abigchange inTurkish possible is asmallamount with of journalism the Akin, founder ofthe site, that stated Doğan “it orassociation. ganisation, party, fromautonomy financial political any their distance its by es keeping or and lacktheresources to pursueinvestigativejournalism. financial have outreach they limited journalism, and quality alternative views critical Diken the T24 being portals prominent news the most outlets, from media mainstream or forced fired to resign having been andtreason. andaccusations ofterrorism ofjournalists the arrest movement facegovernment intimidations systematically through raids, police their to party. back theturned ruling Today, controlled bythe the Gülen media outlets allmedia ofthegovernment, well. AKP Once as bigsupporters sector hostility. intoturned a deep crackdown made a on This huge impact the media camps twoIslamist those between alliance Thelong-time Gülen movement. ofthe in charge members were the the with known investigation andarrests core, to its thewhowere force the police wholecountry shook andprosecutors money. obtained that weresuggesting hidingillegally Whilethis scandal they son andhis Erdoğan between calls recorded wiretaps leaked investigation, as 18 17 ways to control to findnew the government tries the internet. For instance, alive, journalism quality high to keep struggles Inthe ofthese midst volunteers. by donations byraising the orwith assistance thefrom European Union funds, inthe country. portals tive news exchange programmes. andinternational forums conferences, organises media, for the local grammes radiopro broadcasts journalism, onpeace It handbooks publishes also s. NGO Rights, inTurkey.ism andHuman Funded mainlybythe EUInitiative for Democracy monitoring and covering media freedom and promoting independent journal and promoting independent freedom and covering media monitoring

In recent years, online media have become a refuge for liberal journalists journalists for liberal arefuge have become onlinemedia In recent years, 1.5 Most of these alternative news platforms try to survive with the assistance the with assistance to survive platforms try alternative ofthese news Most pendence inthependence Turkish inSEE apartner is media inde- editorial andpromote to support organisation formed civil-society anon-profit, P24, t24-dort-yasinda-neden-buradayiz,7335. Accessed 12 September 2015. Accessed 12September t24-dort-yasinda-neden-buradayiz,7335. http://t24.com.tr/yazarlar/bilinmeyen/ also 2015.2604.html. See Accessed 12September http://www.habervesaire.com/news/mehmet-barlas-in-maasiyla-t24-u-yayinliyoruz See (Independent Communication Network) was established in 1997 established Communication for Bianet (Independent Network)was platform, T24 onlinenews anindependent As ONLINE NEWS MEDIA Sabah (bianet.org). Although these portals provide provide portals Although these (diken.com.tr), andBianet(bianet.org). provides training to journalists, communication students and trainingto journalists, Bianet provides ) gets a monthly salary of 25,000 dollars which can cover which of25,000dollars can allourT24 amonthly salary ) gets Bianet continues reliableone of the to most be alterna (t24.com.tr), P24 (t24.com.tr), Media Observatory Project. Observatory Media , founded in 2009, emphasiz in2009, , founded (platform24.com.tr), (platform24.com.tr), 17 17 18 ------

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 8 22 in Parliament for their effort. If the journalists werewith notinharmony the in Parliament Ifjournalists the for their effort. seats awarded quo,andwere occasionally ofthe status part society, as acted establishment ofthe in1923 Republic political authority. of the thewere to benefits onamission protect Since the who journalists aprofile of created has andpolitics press relationship between organic This since itbegan. ever pressures political from tablishment andfree 2004 , Bek 2003 (Sönmez non inthe country widelyenergy, accepted phenome is a This telecommunications andbanking. construction, such as for their a weapon investments in other sectors, as outlets inthe on1 national election agovernment post to seek ed Holdingof Albayrak until late 2013 the chief executive whowas Ironically, to theclose government. Albayrak, Berat very to be known is family Albayrak management andmedia. waste and logistics, company, butsince 1982 andautomotive tourism sectors. ing, It interests in the bank has also plants. and power highways, dams, various as well as andEurope the underneath Bosphorus, tunnel Asia ground connecting 2015.18 September atotal of87,387 inTurkey websites, blocked blocked websites have been of as Accordingend. at toits be trackseem tonot of source a which keeps does 2014. However, inOctober Court Erdoğan’s media ononlinenews crusade bythe Constitutional ofthe law provisions were overturned Both authorities. for andmake upto the twoyears available data to internet activities the vidual a record ofindi providers to keep service law The required also issued. der was or a court long as for the as hours leaving website 24 closed within sought be awebsite order to order acourt andacourt block without wouldhavepower to Turkey’sing the internet, Telecommunications Authority ( the towith amendments the no.5651) problematic (Law Internet Law regulat 19 The group’sThe include public tenders economicfor Marmaray, activities under stakeholdersthree inTurkey’s industries. andtourism construction banking, For other instance, than Doğu media. sectors various have are since largest holdings largestthe These Appendix). they the in shares of 2014 Doğan, have been are unknown. where links their financial

Albayrak Holding is another top conglomerate that started as a construction Holding anotherAlbayrak is top aconstruction conglomerate as that started Owners of the media companies inTurkey ofthe media Owners their media have used always See http://engelliweb.com/.See 2015. Accessed 18 September The majority of the media, controlled by about five large conglomerates, as large five controlled by about conglomerates, of The majority the media, 1.6 On the other hand, press has never been independent from the political es the from political independent been never On the other has hand,press HANDING MEDIA TO ERDOĞAN LOYALISTS 19 19 Most of blocked websites are pro-Kurdish news portals websites are pro-Kurdish portals ofblocked Most news it has expanded into other sectors, including transport including transport into expanded other ithas sectors, Doğu ş , Zirve, Albayrak, Ciner (see the table Ciner (see Albayrak, , Zirve, , is President, is Erdoğan’s son-in-law anddecid , journalists had a mission to hadamission change the , journalists , Sözeri 2015 , Sözeri , Adakli 2006 ş Group oneofthe is top November 2015 November TIB ) could have the ). 2 in the . ------

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 9 22

21 20 marketdia inTurkey. and reliability of thetransparency definitely This affects line. editorial coverage andbiased news bymanipulated cians andpoliti party tive. Thepricepay theto ruling for quid tothis is proquo please sectors where their conglomerates in business are ac profits other their financial byenhancing sector in compensatethe media their losses public contracts. They inorder lucrative expense to consider win abusiness theirowners companies as large Only a few deficit. in great are whilemany newspapers work circumstances, inirrational economic panies acquisition ofMilliyet inthe country.ness Recently, theinDemirören Group’s laid samemotivation sectors. forventuresments their business invarious with govern links establisheager close to became owners Themedia media. publicinterest interests disregarding role andthebusiness ofthe democratic for private the media instrumentalised owners media Dominant intact. stayed in the radically system. ofthe political part tegral been anin have always journalists In other words, minor government officials. authority, as sent to remote bybeing political villages punished wouldbe they this indicates a long tradition on how the press is used as a tool for doingbusi atool as this indicates alongtraditiononhowtheused is press Minister in1988. sector, enteredPrime the Holdingmedia Although Koç never toanappointment just get the from President and of publishinganewspaper hadthought Holding, Koç elites, business family andbiggest one ofthe oldest access, accordingaccess, 2011 to both indicators. financial poor dailies’

Political Power: Obstacles in front ofMedia in front Independence and Obstacles Freedom in TurkeyPolitical Power: ], ve Özg Accessed 3 November 2015.Accessed 3November 2012. AvailableWEB.pdf. http://www.tesev.org.tr/assets/publications/file/Medya3 at: Kurban also and Sözeri, 2015. See November 3 www.mediadem.eliamep.gr/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Turkey.pdf. Accesed 2. Accessed 15 for-media-freedom-in-turkey---- Journalism, , study report of Turkey: Case and independence? freedom promotemedia policy media Kurban Does andSözeri, The media ownership scene and the profile of the media owners changed ownersscene changed and ownership media the profile of the The media Taspinar, “ According to the memoires of Hasan Cemal (2005), a respected journalist, journalist, According arespected to Cemal(2005), the ofHasan memoires There are various problemsdata of gettingonme access in Thereterms various areto key 2 Although the financial records of the media sector are almost impossible to to impossible are almost sector of Although therecords the media financial THE OPAQUE WORLD OF MEDIA FINANCES u rl u What’s next Freedom in Turkey? for Media (2)” P24 g 28 u O June 2015 s. However,1980s. establishment to the close political being n u ndeki Siyasi, Yasal Siyasi, ndeki veEkonomik Engeller of [Media in theCogwheel andVatan . Available http://platform at: 24 TESEV Report, MEDIADEM and2012 Iktidarin Çarkında Medya: T Çarkında Iktidarin Medya: TV newspapers from Doğan Group the despite Doğan from newspapers channels and newspapers make profit. Media Media make profit. channels and newspapers

TESEV September 2015 September report, , December 2011. Available http://at: 2011. December , /what-s-next-296 .org/en/articles/ 20 20 21 most of the media com ofthe21 media most u rkiye’de Medya Bağımsızligi . Platform for Independent The case case The TESEV ------, SECTORS. VENTURES IN VARIOUS THEIR BUSINESS GOVERNMENTS FOR CLOSE LINKS WITH EAGER TO ESTABLISH OWNERS BECAME THE MEDIA. THE MEDIA DEMOCRATIC ROLE OF INTEREST AND THE DISREGARDING PUBLIC BUSINESS INTERESTS THE MEDIA FOR PRIVATE INSTRUMENTALISED MEDIA OWNERS DOMINANT

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 10 22 22 Ciner,are onlyfour (Doğan, major holdings Doğu Onthe unfortunately contrary, market, notthe this is case. the television there concentration andless ofcompetitiveness interms promising development in 2004 95 with from percent to 74parison a to be Although this seems percent. in2013 incom to decrease seem enue shares outlets ofthe top ten television enues (51.4 percent in2014). million dollars. percent of521 in2013 by24 avalue andreached investment grew also vertising tion ofthe television’s continuing market. dominance inthe media sector.the media in rules to the regulate mechanism forcompetition amore effective need ous into taken be consideration. can plaints only10 AuthorityCompetition market, percent of all regarding thecom media TESEV the Turkish Authority Competition Kurumu). (Rekabet According to the 2011 ofanumbrella of structure underthe category falls media Instead, petition. marketmedia body com toregulate the Thereis nospecific business. media 26 25 24 23 and 2014. An increase of 51 percent in television expenditures is also anindica expenditures of51 also is percentand 2014. intelevision Anincrease 2010 (64 expenditures percent) between intotal advertising increase a steady According to the Turkish ( Agencies ofAdvertising Association

Table 1 , study report of Turkey: Case andcase independence? The freedom promotemedia policy media Kurban Does andSözeri, See http://www.iabturkiye.org/icerik/2013-turkey-digital-advertising-investments. See www.mediadem.eliamep.gr/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Turkey.pdf. See http://www.rtuk.org.tr/Icerik/DownloadReport/3691. Accessed 3 November 2015. Accessed 3November http://www.rtuk.org.tr/Icerik/DownloadReport/3691. See 2015.Accessed 27 September RD-MEDYA-YATIRIMLARI http://rd.org.tr/doc/ See -2014-NISAN-2015.pdf. 2015.Accessed 3November Accessed 14spend. Novemer2015. - https://www.cmocouncil.org/facts-stats-categories.php?view=all&category=marketing See 2015.Accessed 3 November Source: Turkish Agencies. ofAdvertising Association According to the Interactive Bureau Advertising (IAB),Turkey’s ad digital In Turkey, expenditures. found onadvertising be can ofdata onlyahandful According to the 2014 RTÜK CINEMA RADIO OUTDOOR PRINT INTERNET TELEVISION SECTOR report, dueto excessive ofcomplaints number to submitted the report, Turkish ADVERTISING EXPENDITURES BY SECTOR IN 2014 24

TV 22 broadcasting has the highest share in total advertising rev share the intotaladvertising highest has broadcasting TESEV Report, MEDIADEM Radio andTelevision Radio Report, Sectoral

As the report underlines, there obvi is underlines, the report As 1.04 2.30 6.49 18.84 19.92 51.40 SHARE (%) 25 , December 2011. Available, December http:// at:

ş ) taking the , andÇukurova)taking TAAA 23 26 ), there is the rev the ------

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 11 22 2013, Al Jazeera Media Network paid 20 million dollars for a digital terrestri for milliondollars adigital 20 Networkpaid 2013, Media AlJazeera 27 integrity, ofmedia Interms explains this also why to the their media sizes. portion magazine. tal ), new mobileapplications andadigi ), new (Aljazeera.com.tr portal anew launched al license for Al Jazeera Turk2014, of . Inthe firstquarter Qatari companythe per-view 40 Network) paid for milliondollars the pay- Media AlJazeera company (the inthe Turkishinvestments bythe Qataris In2011, BeIn’s market. media parent debtdollar to the State. The acquisition of a450 million ofÇukurovato serve ofthe aresult onthe failure part as came TMSF lars. madereference to anamount to reports press 1,500 close milliondol albeit to pay,agreed Media BeIn ofdisclosure that the amount ofmoney no official investmenteign to Turkish onthe is rise. sector television Turkish from nities is a recent This example of wherefor scale the advertisers. opportu sponsorship securing well as , as Science Animal PlanetandDiscovery Channel , versionsofDiscovery entire including local commercial portfolio, ship Doğu with Group TMSF Çukurova from bythe owned previously outlets media to three Presidentties bought Erdoğan, aTurkish whenEthem businessmen Sancak, portive close with businessman Istanbul’s TMSF third airport. Sabah- Fonu, TMSF Insurance Fund Deposit (Tasarruf bythe Savings were Sigorta seized Mevduatı outwhileothersSome of them were completelywiped by crisis. the affected wereparticularly sectors banking which and hadinvestments inthe financial sector. bystate ofthe groups banking followed regulation was sis media Those until up cartels by setting strategies competition mergers and pursued horizontal and through vertical their power economic scene have increased broadcasting of conglomerates in Thehandful the shares. revenue ofadvertising majority

was acquired by BeIn Media Group in2015. Media However, acquired by BeIn was Digiturk there was In July Communications entered 2015, into partner astrategic Discovery recently,Most the would purchase which the holdings government dictated Accessed 13 September 2015.Accessed 13 September https://beinmediagroup.com/article/bein-media-group-acquires-digiturk/. See The media owners are increasingly winning important public tenders inpro winning important are increasingly owners The media 2.1 DUBIOUS FINANCIAL DEALS IN THE MEDIA SECTOR was putupfor saleinMay 2013 was whentheDigiturk government-controlled seized assets belonging to the Çukurova Group. The seizure of assets assets to the of ÇukurovaGroup.seizure belonging The assets seized 2001 ATV TV when the economic crisis hitthe country.cri whenthecrisis economic major financial This media group inexchange group media for amultibillion-dollar contract to build ) established bythe government (Kurban 2011 andSözeri, ) established channel 27 27 Media Group. Doğu ş Media , which was rebranded as rebranded as Cine5, which was in November 2013. inNovember was also used to transfer media assets to sup assets to transfer media used also was will be responsible for selling Discovery’s responsible be ş will is the of is latest in a string Digiturk Al Jazeera Turk . In April ). ------

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 12 22 higher thanhigher the international average. Group’s relations close the with President stillcontinue. in Turkeythe 50 people richest according to Forbes one of as listed abusinessman Ethem owner Sancak, Group previous to its In2014, 50 his hesold percent share taxes. at plus million dollars Media Star Istanbul’s tender Horn) in2013 Golden bysubmitting bidof1,350 the highest in (shipyards He holidays wonthe athis Hotels. Haliçport one of the Rixos Tamince spends to President whousually Erdoğan, links for close his known is ineight countries. active giant sector atourism Hotels, founder ofRixos to ships dock. andspaceshops for cruise retail converted into be shorefront asleek will cafés, complete area hotels, with oneofEurope’s Salipazarı, for area 30to years. operate 10 the port ports, largest thus the right winning Galataport, as commonly known Port Area, Salipazarı 702 the highest by placing bid for million dollar the of the privatisation Istanbul inTurkey both interest businesses showed Appendix) inmarina andoverseas year.procurement per contracts which Committee, together accountExecutive for tens in ofbillionsdollars Administrationthe Housing Development ( Minister’sPrime ( Council office High directly controlsPrivatization the The in Istanbul. projects including huge construction urban contracts, works’ due to extensive companies favours through to public pro-government media system is transparency. theopaque financial forto this guarantee reason The there noregulation companies as is are opaque are involved the often media ter manipulatetenders andmergers andcontrol where Thedeals, the system. the PublicTendered Act in2002 37 inorder since power to times ittook bet the Besides, companies. fierce by media lobbying No.4756) in2002 inLaw (amendments lifted butitwas public tenders, after arelic tendering the mainchannels ofcorruption. by24 has increased made bypublicoffices saidthat the of“exceptional number same report tenders) (closed procurements” The decade. inthe last and problems publicprocurement have with increased Dernegi, Turkey” bythe Turkish prepared chapter ofTransparency International (Şeffaflık dom ofexpression. According to the 2013 integrity,problems that media prevent healthy pluralism, publicdebate, andfree pattern isoneof thebiggest financial This inthe media. widespread ship so is andwhy self-censor occasion possible the government at every please owners 28

Pro-government Star Media Group’sPro-government Media Star Fettah partner Tamince the also is In 2013, Doğu in participating from owners media preventing In 1994, imposed was aban rruption_in_turkey1. Accessed 15 September 2015. Accessed 15rruption_in_turkey1. September http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/answer/overview_of_corruption_and_anti_co See TI -Turkey), the accountability ofthe government continues low to be Holding with many media outlets (see the table 2inthe (see outlets ş Holding many with media 28 28 As a result, public procurement and pub a result, As report “Overview of Corruption in in ofCorruption “Overview report percent since 2001 TOKİ government has amend government has AKP ), and the Defence Industry ), andthe Defence Industry magazine. The Star Media The Media Star magazine. , whichmuch is OİB), - - - - -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 13 22 search, filter and share through social media. media. filtersearch, and share social through like advanced face ofthe functions web the using allows researcher site also inTurkey. andpower capital to pursuethe relationsaimed between Theinter , ofDispossession Networks mapping project, anddigital data acollective gered Turkey” governments. coulddown bring headlines inwhich newspaper the company’s bashes an“old saying itrepresents repeatedly group, media Notsurprisingly, Erdoğan in2009. comes as the penalty imposed ban year 237 until 2010, owned to days remaining serve aone- from Doğan retailer fuel and Doğan a Petrol Ofisi, ordered Ministry TheEnergy government tenders. ment officials. on alleged corruption at an Islamic charity with connections to govern at connections with anIslamiccharity corruption onalleged 2008 inlate reported newspapers Doğan-owned after Erdoğan, with public clashes Thatalso followed fine 3,800 million dollars. fine of about a tax with slapped Petrol sold Ministry. Ofisi to Doğan Austria’s OMV AG the next being after year company,then aDoğan the conditions breached ofacontract the with Energy when the stateboard said tenders’ imposed Petrol Ofisi, was ban The in 2009. Group Doğan companies various on fine imposed evasion the tax was case most The important to punishdissent. tools financial uses systematically Chart 1 Chart As seen in Chart 1, the change of media structure through structure publictenders 1, the trig change ofmedia inChart seen As More recently, from once banned inMay again 2015, Holding was Doğan Source: Networks of Dispossession, available at: http://mulksuzlestirme.org. available at: ofDispossession, Source: Networks thegovernment AKP to cronies, loyalties rewarding with Simultaneously PROJECTS OF DISPOSSESSION - - -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 14 22 1. measures. icy through urgent such have addressed andas andcomplex to be problems, pol in of the media transparency the financial to guarantee no regulation Turkey. theremergers companies as are is where areopaque involved the often media tenders and Deals, dysfunctional. is deeply their well financing ership as as and banking. energy, construction, such as mining, sectors telecommunications, of business are shareholdersas variety they ina haveeconomicnies interests, conflicting Theholding compa inrecent years. observed easily be Ciner Holding –can Çukurova, and Albayrak, Zirve, Doğus, of the Doğan, garding the activities concentration notably re –most ownership anincreasing inmedia Indeed, tor, structures. the ofoligopolistic development facilitated amovewhich has conglomerates. industrial the ofthese government andsome between ships andopinion–in addition ofpress to relation the close freedom that go beyond inTurkey owners ofmedia ber conglomerates interests with to belong industrial num Asignificant fluence interests. cover-upsfavour business to their outside to in seen have been sectors whohave inother owners business stakes shares, to hold owners media no.3984 29ofLaw Although Article restricts owners. insecurity. job ship orincreased self-censor threats, offinancial bymeans were pacified outlets major media andthe formed was government support tenure, ofuncritical the pool” “media since system With mid-1980s. inthe political thegovernment’sbedded AKP 3. 2. The government must introduce laws limiting media cross-ownership inor cross-ownership The government introducemust laws limitingmedia are andfinancing ownership at the Media core of ofpress Turkey’sfreedom At the sametimeTurkey’s own ofmedia to ensure transparency legislation into have the sec stepped activities in media uninvolved previously Groups problemeconomic substantive involvesThe most interests ofmedia the The government should stop using the threats of tax inspections andpros inspections The government should stopusing tax the of threats with the government. deals financial and making be inpublic exempted tenders fromparticipating must owners The media der to diversity, establish sector. inthe andpluralism media competition fair 4 in ownership problems in The structural the media em havebeen Turkey 3 ecutions as a tool to control atool Theenforcement as and intimidateecutions of the media. RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSIONS ------

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 15 22 Democracy in Crisis: in Crisis: Democracy Freedom House, Cemal, H.,Cumhuriyet’i Sevmistim. Cok Ö. andYamaner,Cankaya, M.B.,Kitle Ö., “TRT Cankaya, “Tabloidization M.G., Bek, ofNews Barı Türkiye’deAdakli, G., Medya Endüstrisi 5. 4. mali. Accessed 23 September 23mali. Accessed 23 2015. September bianet/106180-trtde-neler-oluyor-ne-ol- Available http://bianet.org/biamag/ at: What should Bianet,2008. happen?], oninTRT Going is Olmalı?” [What influence over appointments. political to minimize as so tured (RTÜK agencies Appointment for regulatory processes into andturned agenuinely publicservice. reformed independent TRT The state broadcaster to the government. critical outlets media intargeting to transparent avoid misuse as as its should be legislation tax -%202-3-14.pdf. sites/default/files/Turkey%20Report%20 Available https://freedomhouse.org/ at: , 2014.A Freedom Report House Special and Media, Powerin Turkey: Corruption, Republic 2005. Kitap, Istanbul, ], Doğan [IReallyPerde Arkasi Liked the İçSavasin Cumhuriyet Gazetesindeki 2006. Istanbul, House, Communication], Turhan Publishing İletişim Özgürlüğü[Freedom ofMass 371–386. of Communication, 19 (3),2004, pp. inTurkey”,News European Journal ofTelevision AnAnalysis Media: 2005. Bristol, Intellect, Terzis, G. , ed. Dimensions and Regional NationalEuropean Media Governance: 2006. Ankara, Utopya Publications, in theEraRelations ofNeoliberalsm], in Turkey and Control /Ownership ve Kontrol [Media Iliskileri Industry Mülkiyet/ Neoliberalizm Caginda ş, R.,“TheTurkishMediaLandscape”,in BIBLIOGRAPHY ’de Neler Oluyor?Ne and the state news agency AA agency andthe state news ? - pol media Kurban, Does D. C., andSözeri, Kurban, Iktidarin D. C., andSözeri, Sözeri, C., Türkiye’de C., Sözeri, Medya Sektöründe M.,Filler veÇimenler[Elephants Sönmez, Press Rethink Institute, Diminishing ( Studies FoundationEconomic andSocial Turkish Report, MEDIADEM study report, of Case case The dependence? Turkey: and in- freedom promotemedia icy Bağımsızligi ve Özg ve Bağımsızligi T Çarkında Medya: 2015.Accessed 3November wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Turkey.pdf. http://www.mediadem.eliamep.gr/ lished PhD Thesis). PhD Thesis). lished (unpub 2009 - Istanbul, Science, Social Turkey [Transnational Media Mergers in Uluslararasi Sirket Birlesmeleri 2003. and Istanbul, Grass], Illetism, 2015.3 November Turkey-Task-Force.pdf. Accessed Diminishing-Press-Freedom-in-Turkey- tute.org/wp-content/uploads/2014 Available http://www.rethinkinsti at: - 18 Freedom in Turkey, Rethink Paper 2015.3 November Accessed WEB.pdf. cations/file/Medya3 http://www.tesev.org.tr/assets/publi- Foundation ( Turkish Studies Economic andSocial Independence and Freedom in Turkey], in Front Obstacles ofMedia Power: ofPolitical [Media in theCogwheel YasalSiyasi, veEkonomik Engeller TESEV , Washington, 2014 November ], Marmara University], Marmara Institute of ), December 2011. Available), December at: TESEV should be radically radically should be ) should be struc ) should be ), Available at: u u rl rkiye’de Medya u g u O n u ndeki ndeki . /11 / -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 16 22 Taspinar, O., “ Türkiye’de C., Sözeri, Medya veİktidar ASLI TUNÇ Freedom inTurkey? (2)”P24 2015.Accessed 3November BAS %C4%B0li%C5%9Fkileri- 20 4%B0ktidar% Medya-%C T%C3%BC form Enstitüsü, 2015. Available http://plat at: ], Istanbul and Suggestions Problems inand Turkey. PowerRelations veÖneriler[Media İlişkileri. Sorunlar Istanbul, Turkey,Istanbul, organisation inthe SEE apartner bythe –P24, Platform Journalism for engaged Independent aresearcher as this report ted University. Bilgi Istanbul Studies School, at ofMedia Media a Professor Tunç contribu- AUTHOR 24 holds a PhD in Media andCommunication aPhD at holds inMedia Temple University. currently Sheis .org/Content/Uploads/Editor/ What’s next for Media rkiye%E2%8099de%20 KI Platform Platform . .pdf - Tunç, Turkey Media: Mapping, Digital A., Accessed 29 October 2015. Accessed 29October ping-digital-media-turkey-20120423.pdf. - foundations.org/sites/default/files/map Available https://www.opensociety at: Foundation, Society 2012. Open 2015.15 September Accessed dia-freedom-in-turkey----2. org/en/articles/296/what-s-next-for-me- 2015 for Independent Journalism, 28 Media Observatory. Media . Available http://platform24. at: June -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 17 22 Table 2 DO APPENDIX Ğ AN GROUP OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE OF THE BIGGEST MEDIA CONGLOMERATES IN TURKEY Aydın Foundation Doğan Factoring International Commerce,Doğan Doğan olay.net, yakala.co ek com, hurriyetoto.com, yenibiris.com, arabam.com, hurriyetemlak. MedyaNet, com, mahmure.com, bigpara.com kanald.com.tr, netd.com, hurriyetaile. com.tr, radikal.com.tr, cnnturk.com, hurriyet.com.tr, posta.com.tr, fanatik. D-Smart Video, Music Company Doğan KanalDHome lnDHouse, D Productions, D,Radyo SlowTurk, Turk CNN Radyo EuroKanal DRomanya, D Kanal D, Turk, CNN TV, tv2,Dream DHA Printing Center Doğan Planning, Marketing Magazine Distribution, Doğan Books Doğan Egmont, Doğan Burda Magazine Doğan TME News, HurriyetDaily Fanatik, Posta, Hurriyet, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OTHER ACTIVITIES ONLINE COMMERCE ONLINE MEDIA DIGITAL TV PLATFORM TV AND MUSIC PRODUCTION RADIO TV NEWS AGENCY PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION BOOK PUBLISHING MAGAZINE NEWSPAPER MEDIA - Milla FinanceDD Estate Milpa Products Organic (Automative Doğan Ditas Celik Halat, SideIndustry), D&R Plus ErbilAytemiz Gas Wholesale, PetrolEnergy D-Tes RES, Sah Mersin RES, Dam, Aslancik Giresun Electric veTrade) Production Electricity (Boyabat Energy Doğan TOURISM FINANCE REAL ESTATE MARKETING INDUSTRY RETAIL ENERGY OTHER SECTORS

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 18 22 DO Ğ UŞ GROUP NTV Publications, NTV History NTV Publications, NTV Magazine CNBC-E RobbReport, Kids, National Geographic Vogue, Turkey, GQ, National Geographic Radio KralFM, KralPop, Radyo, Capital NTV com.tr, cnbce.tv cnbce.com, ntv.com, ntvspor.net, startv. tvyo.com, TV, e2 NTV, Spor, HD, Smart KralTV, KralPop SPOR, NTV, NTV TV, Star CNBC-E, NTV PUBLICATIONS MAGAZINE RADIO INTERNET TV MEDIA Group 29,Sele brands Lacivert, Group, Mezzaluna, Azumi Grup, Doors Istanbul Ristorante, GoMongo, Nusr-Et Armani Kiva, Steakhouse, (Doğu d.ream (220PLUSWholesale brand) andTrade, Production Electricity D-Tes Energy Electrical Doğu Doğu Gebze Center AVM)Plaza, Estate Real Doğus Doğu Korfez Aviation IMG-Doğu Istanbul, D-Life Chenot Prive Espace D-Gym, andZea Lefkas inGouviz, Marinas inGreece, Marina Flisvos Adriatic Croatia International Group, (ACI) Hirvat Borik, D-Marin Dalmacija, D-Marin inCroatia, Mandalina D-Marin Turgutreis,D-Marin Gocek, Didim,D-Marin D-Marin Doğu Bonubon, CrateSaat veMucevherat, andBarrel andGucci, In-Formal, Armani Franchising to Emporia D rights Gocek D-Resort Marmaris, GrandAzur D-Resort D-Hotel Maris, Hotel Alantur Club Alanya, Grand Hyatt MARITIM Istanbul, Antur Traveling Agency, Park and Hyatt Palas Macka Istanbul, Ayson andResearch Boring Doğu Factory, Treyler Krone Dogus Factory) (Meiller Doğu Production Services, Logistical andLeasePlan), Auto, Auto-Fix, vdfGroup, TUVTURK and Organisations (Doğu Bugatti, SEAT, Krone veMeillier), Subsidaries Scania, Skoda, Vehicle,Commercial Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Doğu Garanti Technology Garanti Payment Garanti Mortgage, Factoring, Systems, Garanti ManagementPortfolio, Services, Garanti Fleet Garanti Garanti Investment, and Pension, Garanti Leasing, Moscow, Garantibank Garanti Life SA, Garanti Romania, International Garantibank N.V.,Garanti Bank, Garanti Bank CHAIN RESTAURANTS AND FINE DINING ENERGY REAL ESTATE AVIATION HEALTH, RECREATION AND SPORT CENTRES MARINAS E-COMMERCE, TECHNOLOGY RETAIL TOURISM CONSTRUCTION AUTOMOTIVE BANKING AND FINANCE OTHER SECTORS ş andTrade, Production Electricity Group: Boyabat ş Energy ş GYO (Doğu Construction, Technicalş Construction, andConsultation, Engineering ş Automotive Car, (Volkswagen Passenger Volkswagen Energy Production andTrade Production Energy Aslancik HES), (Artvin ş Restaurant Entertainment andManagement) Planet, Doğu ş Planet, Center Maslak, Istinye Park, Antalya 2000 2000 Antalya Istinye Park, ş Center Maslak, ş Auto, DOD, D-Auto Yuce Suisse, ş Technology, Related Group Damper ş Damper ş

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 19 22 MURAT SANCAK ETHEM SANCAK CINER GROUP ZIRVE HOLDING AD Group Press Services and Commerce GroupAD Services Press Alem FM, Radyo Lig 360, 24TV, 4 TV DIGITURK Alem, Platin Star Gunes, Aksam, HTRadio Bloomberg Haberturk Radio, Film Industry CProduction Investments, Ciner Media andPublishing News Haberturk Printed HT, Bloomberg Haberturk, ShowTV Haberturk Services Turkuvaz Turkuvaz Digital, Media Mobile Turkuvaz (TOHA) Agency News Turkuvaz andAdvertising Production Printing Publication Turkuvaz Publication, Turkuvaz Book Turkuvaz Marketing Distribution Turkuvaz,Radyo Romantik Radyo ATV, AHaber, ATV Europe, Minika Forbes Turkey, Sofra, Para, Samdan) Otohaber, Lacivert, Beautiful, House Harper’sEsquire, Bazaar, HomeArt, Today, China (Bebegim, Cosmopolitan, Turkuvaz Publication Magazine Asir, Takvim, Fotomac Yeni Europe, Sabah, Sabah Sabah, Daily ADVERTISEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AND RADIO TV DIGITAL PLATFORM MAGAZINE NEWSPAPER RADIO PRODUCTION PRINTED PRESS TV NEWSPAPER CINER PUBLISHING HOLDING SERVICES DIGITAL MEDIA AND MOBILE NEWS AGENCY PRODUCTION BOOK PUBLICATION DISTRIBUTION RADIO TV MAGAZINE NEWSPAPER MEDIA Industry andTrade in shopping) used machines Industry POS (smart Transport Marketing, Electronic Manufacturing Service Information Technologies International Trade, MTTechnical Management MT Estate, Consultation,ES MTReal Health Products Industry, Medisalus MT Health Products MT Petrol andEnergy Vehicles Commerce andLeasing andTrade, BMCAutomotive Industry Industry MTMotor Park Construction Park Cam Navigation (18 merchant ship), CinerShipManagement Park Navigation (Hopa Port), Warehousing, Denmar Ciner Park Insurance Larespark-Hotel, Tourism Lares Havas Health Park Medical ETI Aviation Transportation Electric Soda Plant), Kazan (Thermal Electric Konya llgin sale), electricity (Ankara/Sogutozu Plant), Park Electric Wholesale (Thermal Natural Plant),Mine, Adana SilopiElectric Ceyhan Gas Plant), IslahiyeBauxite ParcHydroelectric (Gaziantep Elektric Tarihler Mine,Siirt Copper Park (Siirt/Madenkoy Energy Quarry), Trona (Tuncbilek-Buyukduz (Beypazari Eti Soda Quarry), Plant),Park Thermal (Cayirhan Thermic Park Technique Distribution) Gas (Inegol INGAZ production, Turkmenistan andelectricity to natural HopaoverGeorgia gas Transportation OrduPlants inGiresun, andErzurum, of Hydroelectric (three Production Electricity Kalen Energy FoundationLine andothers. andYenisehir(Alanyurt Natural Distribution Gas Districts), Inegol Plant, andHydroelectric OrduMelet Regulator Enerji Santrali, veHidroelektrik Regulatoru KalenI-II, Hospital, CityPark K.T.U Complex, Student Dormitory, SahinBey Farabi VatanHomes, Avenue Tax Mersin Building, Service Office Stateye-Koyulhisar Highway, Finanskent Yesilvadi Homes, D100 Highway Metrobus Transportation Ordu-Mesudi- Line, Istanbul Courthouse, Bakirkoy Road, Intersection Caglayan Terkos-Ikitelli Water Drinking Mecidiyekoy- Line, Conduction Waste Water Treatment Tavukcu Plant, Stream Rehabilitation, Atakoy Region, ofAsian Junctionand Layer Construction and Canta-Gurpinar, Water Drinking Dispersed Network Waste Water Tunnel inSelimpasa-Kumburgaz Construction Water Transit, System KKTC Suspension Sea Line, Conduction Water lrakErbilDuhosk struction, Melen Supply Project, (Erzurum-Aziziye), Cat-Karhova-Bingol second section con Cat-Karhova-Bingol section second (Erzurum-Aziziye), Highway junction Erzurum·Bingol-Diyarbakir Construction, Haskoy Avenue RehabilitationBeyoglu·Kasimpasa andTunnel Islahiye Highway, Highway, Canakkale-Ezine-Ayvacik Nurdagi- Stadium, Basaksehir Project, Airport New Istanbul SERVICE HEALTH ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE CONSTRUCTION GLASS INDUSTRY NAVIGATION INSURANCE TOURISM TRANSPORTATION HEALTH AVIATION ENERGY AND MINING ENERGY CONSTRUCTION KALYON GROUP OTHER SECTORS -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 20 22 GROUP ALBAYRAK GROUP BROADCASTING SAMANYOLU PUBLICATIONS FEZA Birlikte Distribution Piri Reklam Magazine Tarih,Derin Nihayet Magazine, Lokma tr, derintarih.com gazetemanset.com, yenisafak.com.tr, tvnet.tv.tr, tempotv.com. Broadcasting) TVNET, Tempo (AlJazeera TV Yeni Salak irmaktv.com.tr kure.tv, stv.com.tr, samanyoluhaber.com, Haber Samanyolu Burc Radyo, FM, Dunya TV Dunya TV, Yumurcak TV, Kure TV, TV, Hazar Haber, Mehtap TV, TV, lrmak Ebru S STV, America, Europe, STV STV zaman.com.tr, to zaman-online.de, Agency Cihan News Yeni Gonca, Sizinti, Aksiyon, Bahar America Zaman Turkmenistan, Zaman Romania, Zaman France, Bulgaria, Zaman Zaman Austria, Zaman Kazakstan, Zaman Azerbaijan, Today’sZaman, Zaman Zaman, Zaman Books Zaman yenibahardergisi.com video.zaman.com.tr, zamanavusturya.at, zamanamerika.com, zaman.ro, zaman.bg, zamanfransa.com, zamanarabic.com, az, zaman. kazakzaman.kz, dayszaman.com, DISTRIBUTION ADVERTISING MAGAZINE INTERNET TV NEWSPAPER INTERNET RADIO TV INTERNET NEWS AGENCY MAGAZINE NEWSPAPER MEDIA BOOK PUBLISHING - Tourism Facility Tourism Hotel Marmaris Birun Management, Facility, Didim Electric Kuvve meterreading) Ankara inIstanbul; IGDAS TEDAS, (ISKI, hygiene tenders), cities System andMurree Rawalpindi Pakistan Waste Processing, Al-Bil Data Management (Yesil Adamlar, Staff Transportation Trabzon Rental, Albayrak Car Albayrak Mogadishu Port, Port, (Paper) Textile Integrated Eregli engines), airplane Factory, Varaka produced anddomesticly trainproduction, speed tanks, tary Tumosan Tractor (State Factory Tenders andEngine onmili Metrobus Foundation Lahor inPakistan activities Factory, Ayazaga andPrefabricate Hospitals, IETT Garage Renewal Engine IETT Fatih Park, Car Multistory Service, andTradeHipermarket Center, and Showroom Odak-Opel Office, Bayrampasa TradeCenter, CarrefourSA Bayrampasa Head Villas, Kiptas lkitelli Basaksehir Homes, Hilal Altunizade Topkapi Istanbul Homes, Mavisehir Homes, Centrum Albayrak Mavisehir Izmir KernerPark, Esenler Park, Gunes Halkali Istanbul Housing, Earthquake Duzce Development, Housing Albayrak Housing Development, Basak Kagithane GYO,Albayrak Subway, (Istanbul Construction Albayrak islamist network. islamist byFethullah supported Gülen’s being It as known is circle, an network. islamist byFethullah supported Gülen’s being It as known is circle, an TOURISM ENERGY SERVICES LOGISTICS INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION OTHER SECTORS -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES IN TURKEY INCREASING CONCENTRATION AND CLIENTELISM 21 22 Note: This table has been translated into English by Aslı translated into by been English tableNote: has This Tunç. in Turkey.Power Relations Enstitüsü, 2015.], Istanbul and Suggestions Problems Türkiye’de C., Source: Sözeri, Medya veÖneriler[Media veİktidarİlişkileri.Sorunlar and GROUP DEMIROREN KOZA IPEK tv, skorer.com, milliyetemlak.com milliyet.com.tr, milliyet. gazetevatan.com, VatanMilliyet, Trade Rek-Tur Advertisiment Marketing and TradeKoza Production Kanalturk Radyo TV Bugun Kanalturk, Bugun INTERNET NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING PRODUCTION RADIO TV NEWSPAPER MEDIA Group Ata Educational Institutions Park Homes) Seyhan (Adana Construction Demiroren Eskidji Construction, Lidya MamaShelter)(Demiroren Istiklal, Taksim Investment andManagement Estate Real Development Hotel, Resort Kerner Golf Club, &Country Kerner Golf Dock Dolfen Zeyport, Zeytinburnu Istanbul Adana andBursa) Diyarbakir, inElaz1g, marblequarry in andfactory MarbleProduction (Block D-Mermer Services, Industry, Metal ParsatDemiroren Heavy Motor Piston, MS Energy Moil, Demiroren -AXPO Milangaz, Oto Milangaz, ATP-Koza Tourism Travelling andTrade Corp. Foundation Altin Koza University, Koza-Ipek Education Aid Health Care ATP Aviation Inc. ATP Corp. Koza andLivestock Food Agriculture Services andOrganization Advertising Project BB Ipek Consultancy Services, andOrganization Advertising Project Consultancy AZIpek Services, andOrganization Advertising Project Koza-Ipek Procurement Consultancy, Ipek AE Consultancy Gumushane AliIpekGuesthouse, Student Dormitory) ATP andTrade Construction (Melek Ipek Female Student Mining KonakliIpek Metal Natural Resources, Energy OzdemirAntimuan Mines), Mines, Sason Batman Cungus, Nigde CiftehanEsendemir, Diyarbakir CiftehanElmali,Konak, Sagirlar, (Balikesir Koza Anatolia MiningEnterprises Metal Mine), Gold Mine,Mastra Gold (Ovacik Enterprises Koza Gold Trade Corp. and Koza Invitation, andPrinting Press Industry Koza lpek EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION REAL ESTATE PORT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY ENERGY DEMIROREN CORPORATE GROUP TOURISM EDUCATION AVIATION AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK BREEDING TRADE CONSTRUCTION MINING PRINTING OTHER SECTORS

AUTHOR Asli Tunç EDITOR Brankica Petković MEDIA OWNERSHIP AND FINANCES ASSISTANT EDITOR Saša Panić REVIEWER Sandra This report has been produced with the financial assistance IN TURKEY B. Hrvatin PUBLISHER Peace Institute, Institute for of the European Union. The contents of the report are the The report has been produced Contemporary Social and Political Studies, Metelkova 6, sole responsibility of the Peace Institute and the author, and within the project South East INCREASING SI–1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, . DESIGN DAK, Ljubljana, November 2015 position of the European Union. http//www.mediaobservatory.net.