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TRT 1 (Turkish: TRT Bir) is the first Turkish Free-to-air national television channel, owned by state broadcaster TRT. It was officially launched on 31 January 1968 as a test broadcast, becoming regular by the early 1970s. It was the only channel Turkey until 15 September 1986, when TRT launched TRT 2 under the name TV2. It is also available in Azerbaijan on terrestrial television.

Key Information

On 19 May 2012, it started broadcasting on 16:9 aspect ratio and launched its own HD simulcast feed.

TRT 1 is TRT's general TV channel, available free-to-air through Turksat satellite, on subscription operators Digitürk, D-Smart, Türksat Cable TV, Tivibu or in neighbor countries via foreign cable platforms.

History

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Before the start of TRT's television service, viewers used their antennas to receive television signals from neighboring countries. In the 1960s, viewers favored pointing their antennas to Bulgarian National Television's transmitter network. This practice continued well after TRT launched.[1] In the early days of Turkish television, most people could not afford television sets, and most of the sets that did arrive were German imports.[2] When TRT was preparing the creation of a national television network, it relied on aid from West Germany.[3]

TRT started television broadcasts on 31 January 1968 (a Wednesday), as an initially experimental service on VHF channel 5 in Ankara, the national capital. The signal was activated at 7:15pm, displaying a test card with the TRT logo, followed ten minutes later by a static slide with the name "Ankara Televizyonu" and a statue of Atatürk. At 7:30pm, the first face seen on TRT's service, Nuran Ermen, welcomed viewers, followed by a speech from manager Mahmut Tali Ongoren. At 7:35pm, a documentary (Revolution History of Turkey) followed. The first news bulletin was read at 8pm by Zafer Cilasun. The first weather report was read by Zeynep Esen. After a cartoon and a documentary about flowers in Antalya, the first night ended at 8:50pm with Nuran Ermen returning, followed by the playing of the national anthem.[4]

The first night of TRT's television service had two technical failures, which had the image temporarily substituted by breakdown slides. After the first closedown, the overall talk about the first night continued well into the morning.[4]

On 26 August 1968, television broadcasts from Izmir were first tested, becoming regular in September 1970.[5] That same year, TRT expanded its weekly schedule from three days a week to four.[4] By early 1972, TRT broadcast four days a week. The opening night was well-received, so was the broadcast of the moon landings the following year.[1]

TRT started expanding its television signal starting in 1971. On March 19, broadcasts from Eskişehir began, then on August 30, from Istanbul, still in test format, broadcasting pre-packaged programs from the ITU Maçka Studio.[5] TRT used ITU TV's transmitter; the former station closed as a result of TRT's takeover.[4] By May 1972, it added a transmitter in Balıkesir on channel 7, followed by Istanbul on channel 5 in December that year. In September 1971, it carried the Mediterranean Games.[6] Television advertising started in March 1972.[7] On 26 August 1972, it became connected to the Eurovision network for the first time, for the carriage of the 1972 Summer Olympic Games.[6] One of the more successful early broadcasts was the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Turkey and Italy on 13 January 1973.[5] The relay network increased in 1973-74, with 28 stations total by December 1974. Around 1975, TRT broadcast from 18:00 to 23:00 on weekdays, and from 14:00 to 23:00 on weekends.[8] TRT's first major series was Aşk-ı Memnu, in 1975, created in part due to the success of period dramas produced in the UK. The production marked the beginning of a television production industry, which grew thanks to the investments private channels had in producing their own drama series beginning in the 1990s.[9]

With the increase of its transmitter network in urban areas, TRT started increasing its airtime. In 1974, the transmitter network was received by 55%, increasing to 81.5% in 1977. In tandem with this growth, TRT started buying more American series and producing more educational content. News content and advertisements also increased.[4] The increase in American content was already noted a few years into the channel's existence, buying series such as The Fugitive, Mission: Impossible, Little House on the Prairie, Rich Man, Poor Man, The Six Million Dollar Man and Star Trek - the last of which came in 1972, when TRT's service went regular. Star Trek, in particular, was more popular than British sci-fi series Project UFO and Space: 1999. The success of American television series has led to the creation of movies inspired by them, including a bootleg adaptation of Star Trek by filmmaker Hulki Saner.[2] By 1979, TRT's television network reached the current Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by means of overspill.[10] Despite the success of British and American TV series, TRT still suspended certain productions during Ramadan. For that occasion in 1979, the network pulled out The Muppet Show from its schedule, under the principle that one of its characters, Miss Piggy, would offend Muslims. The move came after a participant in a panel discussion show questioned the consumption of pork in the Muslim world, which is forbidden, and caused controversy.[11]

Following the 12 September 1980 coup, TRT was put under heavy military control. Given the high amount of television users and the possibility that television could have an impact on mass audiences, a list of banned words was enacted. Certain types of entertainment were used as a requirement to provide ideological control, with other types of entertainment and music being banned. By the early 1980s, still in black and white, TRT finally reached the entire country.[4] TRT made its first color broadcast on 31 December 1981, though said broadcasts only became regular on 15 March 1984. That same month, it carried its first satellite broadcast using Intelsat.[5] Full-time color broadcasts started on 1 June.[6]

With the establishment of TV2 on 15 September 1986, the channel was renamed TV1.[5] Shortly afterwards, the two TRT channels started satellite distribution.[5] On 1 February 2001, TRT 1 was rebranded, coinciding with the corporation's relaunch, aiming at family audiences.[5]

On 19 May 2012, coinciding with its rebrand, the channel changed its aspect ratio to 16:9 widescreen and began high definition broadcasts.[12]

On-screen identity

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Like other TRT channels, TRT 1 broadcasts 24 hours a day. It broadcasts a short startup at 6:00 AM, where the TRT ident is shown, followed by the programme list for the day, and then the Turkish National Anthem (Independence March) is played.

In the black and white days, TRT used a necefli as a slide during technical breakdowns. It became a symbol of censorship after the 1980 military coup, appearing when inappropriate content was supposed to air.[13]

TRT 1 changed its logo on 13 October 2009, coinciding with its new programming season, ditching the 2001 format. The blue borders were recolored, becoming transparent, and the 1 was placed inside the red diamond, next to the TRT wordmark.[14]

On 19 May 2012, TRT 1 adopted a new logo, without using TRT's corporate logo, featuring a completely different wordmark, next to a white 1 inside a red rectangle.[12] The move coincided with TRT 1 starting its high definition broadcasts.[15] The logo was modified on 1 February 2021.[16]

Logos

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  • 1989 to 1997
    1989 to 1997
  • 1998 to 2001
    1998 to 2001
  • 2001 to 2009
    2001 to 2009
  • 2009 to 2012
    2009 to 2012
  • 2012 to 2021
    2012 to 2021
  • 2019 to 2021 (only used on social media)
    2019 to 2021 (only used on social media)
  • Since February 2021
    Since February 2021

Shows

[edit]
Main article: List of programs broadcast by TRT 1

TRT 1 broadcasts in a large spectrum of programs ranging from news, music, entertainment, drama, sports to education and arts along with commercial breaks. The channel aired many world-known series for the first time in Turkey in the past.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

TRT 1

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TRT 1 is the flagship national television channel of the (TRT), Turkey's state-owned broadcaster. Launched with test broadcasts on 31 January 1968, it served as the country's first and only television service until private channels emerged in the late , initially operating under a monopoly that shaped early Turkish . The channel delivers a broad programming slate including domestically produced dramas, imported series, feature films, news bulletins, and live events such as sports and cultural shows, with many Turkish serials gaining export success in regions like the and . TRT 1's content emphasizes national history, family-oriented narratives, and public service announcements, reflecting its mandate to promote Turkish culture and values as defined by law. While TRT 1 has contributed to Turkey's through popular historical epics and entertainment exports, it has drawn scrutiny for editorial alignment with the government, particularly during elections where allocated disproportionate airtime to ruling party figures, as documented by international observers. Critics, including opposition groups and media watchdogs, contend this reflects systemic political influence over , eroding impartiality despite TRT's formal independence claims.

History

Establishment and early broadcasts (1964–1979)

The (TRT), known in Turkish as Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu, was founded on May 1, 1964, through Law No. 359, which reorganized the existing service into an autonomous public entity tasked with managing national radio and anticipated television operations on behalf of the government. This granted TRT financial independence via license fees and advertising revenue, while emphasizing objectives such as , information dissemination, and cultural promotion, distinct from purely commercial or propagandistic aims. Prior to this, radio had operated under the Directorate of Press Propaganda since 1938, but television infrastructure development accelerated in the early 1960s amid urbanization and technological imports from . Television broadcasting began with experimental test transmissions on January 31, 1968, from Ankara's Mithatpaşa Studio, marking Turkey's entry into regular electronic visual media. The inaugural broadcast aired at 7:30 p.m. on VHF Channel 3 (Band 5), featuring an opening announcement by presenter Nuran Devres followed by a speech from TRT founder and director-general Mahmut Tali Öngören, who highlighted television's role in national development and education. Initial programming was limited to black-and-white content, broadcast for about 4-5 hours daily, primarily evenings, and restricted to Ankara viewers due to limited transmitter range; content focused on news bulletins, educational segments on science and history, cultural performances like folk music and theater adaptations, and state-sanctioned documentaries promoting Turkish heritage. These early efforts drew from imported equipment and training programs, with TRT collaborating with international broadcasters to build technical capacity, though coverage remained urban-centric with only around 10,000 television sets in use nationwide by late 1968. Expansion in the involved gradual infrastructure buildup, including additional transmitters to reach by and other provinces, increasing national penetration to approximately 30% of households by 1979. Programming diversified modestly to include imported foreign series, such as adaptations of literary classics, alongside domestic productions like serialized dramas and public information campaigns on health and , reflecting TRT's statutory emphasis on enlightenment over entertainment. Broadcast hours extended to 6-8 hours daily by mid-decade, but content adhered to state oversight, avoiding political controversy and prioritizing unity in a period of domestic turbulence including military interventions in and 1980. Viewer engagement grew through community viewing centers in rural areas, though technical challenges like signal interference and equipment shortages persisted until foreign aid and domestic manufacturing improved reliability.

Monopoly period and expansion (1980–2002)

During the 1980s, the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) maintained an unchallenged monopoly on television broadcasting in Turkey, enabling significant investments in technical infrastructure and nationwide coverage expansion. Color television transmissions began experimentally in 1981, transitioning to regular full-color broadcasts by 1984, which markedly improved program quality and viewer experience across the country. In September 1986, TRT launched TRT 2 from Istanbul as an entertainment-focused channel to diversify content alongside the generalist TRT 1, marking the corporation's first multi-channel expansion. The monopoly eroded in the late 1980s amid under Prime Minister , as unauthorized private satellite broadcasts emerged to bypass terrestrial restrictions. Star TV, Turkey's inaugural private channel, commenced test transmissions in May 1990 and full operations in September, broadcasting from and rapidly gaining popularity with commercial programming. In parallel, TRT responded by initiating TRT 3 in October 1989 as a sports and experimental channel, alongside TRT GAP, the first regional outlet serving southeastern , thereby broadening domestic reach. To counter emerging competition and extend influence abroad, TRT established TRT INT in 1990, a satellite-based international channel aimed at Turkish communities in , enhancing global presence while domestic private channels proliferated. The legal framework formalizing private broadcasting arrived with the 1994 law on April 20, which dismantled TRT's statutory monopoly and regulated the sector. Through the and into the early , TRT sustained expansion by introducing services like trials on December 3, 1990, across channels, adapting to a competitive landscape while upholding its mandate amid rising viewership for private entertainment formats.

Digital era and restructuring (2003–present)

In the early , TRT initiated restructuring to address competition from private broadcasters and adapt to technological advancements, including a 1999 consultancy by that recommended modernization measures such as and a new logo, though implementation was partial. Digital efforts included completing the of the Directorate of Documentary Programs' archive by 2003, while photograph archives remained undigitized as of 2005. Funding pressures intensified in January 2003 when the government's electricity revenue allocation to TRT dropped from 3.5% to 2%, straining departmental budgets including program production. Under Şenol Demiröz's general directorship from January 2004 to August 2005, TRT emphasized digital transmission infrastructure and expanded religious programming to align with evolving audience demands and governmental priorities following the Justice and Development Party's (AKP) rise to power in 2003. Law No. 5370, enacted in June 2005, amended Article 133 of the Constitution to increase the Grand National Assembly's role in appointing members to the Radio and Television Supreme Council, indirectly influencing TRT oversight. These changes occurred amid broader media , prompting TRT to boost program output—e.g., documentary programs rose from 42 in 1999 to 130 in 2005—to compete with private channels' flexible formats. Turkey's national transition to digital terrestrial television, announced in 2006 with test broadcasts, integrated TRT 1 into multiplexes for improved signal quality and capacity, culminating in phased analog switch-offs from 2013 to 2017 that mandated digital receivers for TRT's terrestrial signals. TRT 1, as the flagship channel, maintained its focus on , dramas (targeting 46.5% of airtime in mid-2000s schedules), and content while incorporating high-definition formats amid the shift. The AKP administration's influence grew, with critics including opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu accusing TRT of functioning as an AKP mouthpiece by underreporting opposition events and prioritizing government-aligned narratives. A July 2021 presidential restructured TRT's board, expanding it from seven to nine members and replacing the entire executive, enhancing direct executive oversight amid accusations of eroded . TRT responded by expanding digital platforms, including online streaming via trtizle.com, to reach audiences beyond traditional terrestrial and satellite distribution. This era saw TRT 1 evolve into a multi-platform entity, balancing state-funded obligations with content increasingly reflective of ruling party perspectives, as noted in analyses of TRT's international arms like serving AKP diplomatic goals.

Programming

News and informational content

TRT 1 airs daily news bulletins as a core component of its programming, with the flagship evening edition "Ana Haber" broadcast typically around 19:55 or 20:00, covering national politics, economy, international affairs, and social issues from a Turkish perspective. Anchored by presenters such as Işıl Açıkkar, the program emphasizes key daily developments, including government announcements and security matters, and claims to uphold principled, impartial . Additional bulletins occur throughout the day, such as morning and midday segments, providing updates on weather, sports, and breaking events. Informational content extends to current affairs talk shows and analytical programs that dissect public debates and policy issues. For instance, "İddiaların Aksine," aired post-main news, scrutinizes viral claims and allegations, often countering opposition narratives with official data or expert input. These segments prioritize government-aligned viewpoints, reflecting TRT's role as a public service broadcaster funded primarily through state budgets and taxes. Documentaries and educational features on TRT 1 focus on Turkish history, culture, and national achievements, though specialized factual content has shifted partly to dedicated channels like TRT Belgesel. The channel's news and informational output, while comprehensive in scope, operates under the oversight of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), with editorial appointments influenced by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), leading to documented pro-government bias and minimal criticism of state policies. Independent analyses rate TRT entities as right-leaning with selective factual reporting, particularly in domestic politics, where opposition coverage is often marginalized. This structure prioritizes national unity and official narratives over adversarial journalism, contrasting with private Turkish media.

Drama series and entertainment

TRT 1 has established itself as a primary platform for Turkish drama series, emphasizing historical epics that depict Ottoman and pre-Ottoman Turkish heritage, often produced with high budgets and state support to promote national narratives. These productions frequently feature themes of heroism, Islamic values, and resistance against external threats, aligning with the channel's public service mandate under the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation. Notable examples include Diriliş: Ertuğrul, which aired from December 10, 2014, to May 29, 2019, spanning 182 episodes and portraying the life of , a 13th-century warrior and father of the Ottoman Empire's founder; the series achieved domestic ratings peaks above 10% share and was exported to over 60 countries, including dubbed versions in Urdu and Spanish that garnered millions of viewers in regions like Pakistan and Latin America. Successor series Payitaht: Abdülhamid, broadcast from March 24, 2017, to May 29, 2021, with 169 episodes, focused on Sultan Abdul Hamid II's reign (1876–1909), emphasizing his efforts to modernize the empire amid internal and foreign intrigues; it maintained strong viewership, averaging 5-7% ratings, and reinforced TRT 1's focus on revisionist historical portrayals challenging Western-centric narratives of Ottoman decline. More contemporary action dramas like Teşkilat (The Shadow Team), premiering on March 14, 2021, depict Turkish intelligence operations against terrorism, blending espionage with patriotic elements and sustaining weekly audiences through ongoing seasons as of 2025. Recent additions such as Mehmed: Fetihler Sultanı (Mehmed: Sultan of Conquests), launched in March 2024, continue this trend by chronicling Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople in 1453, produced with advanced CGI for battle scenes. In entertainment beyond dramas, TRT 1 offers lighter fare including long-running comedies and variety formats aimed at family audiences, contrasting with private channels' tabloid-style content. Seksenler, a nostalgic sitcom parodying 1980s Turkish life through episodic vignettes of suburban families, debuted on December 28, 2012, and exceeded 350 episodes by 2022, drawing on cultural references to foster intergenerational appeal with average ratings around 4-6%. Variety programming includes occasional music specials and contests, such as lottery draws and talent showcases, though these are secondary to scripted content; for instance, music programs like those featuring traditional Turkish folk performances air sporadically to complement dramas during prime time slots. This mix supports TRT 1's role in providing accessible, value-oriented entertainment, with dramas often outperforming in export revenues exceeding $100 million annually for select titles through international syndication.

Cultural, educational, and children's programming

TRT 1, as Turkey's flagship public broadcaster, has incorporated cultural programming featuring documentaries and series that explore Turkish history, and arts, often emphasizing national heritage and traditional values. Examples include historical reenactments and cultural specials aired during prime time slots, aligning with TRT's mandate to promote societal education and preservation of intangible cultural assets. These programs typically draw from archival footage and expert commentary to provide viewers with insights into Ottoman-era customs and regional traditions, though specific titles like periodic cultural festivals coverage have varied over decades. Educational content on TRT 1 has supported national learning objectives, particularly through collaborative initiatives with the Ministry of National Education. During the starting in March 2020, TRT channels, including TRT 1, facilitated broadcasts reaching millions of students with curriculum-aligned lessons in subjects like and sciences, supplementing dedicated platforms like TRT EBA TV. Ongoing educational segments include public awareness series on health, environment, and civics, designed to foster informed citizenship without overt ideological framing. Children's programming on TRT 1 peaked in its formative years, with shows prioritizing moral development, language skills, and play-based learning before the 2008 launch of the specialized TRT Çocuk channel. Iconic examples include "Susam Sokağı," the Turkish adaptation of Sesame Street, which aired from the 1980s through the 1990s and used puppets, songs, and sketches to teach literacy, numeracy, and social cooperation to preschool audiences. Another staple was "7'den 77'ye," a versatile program spanning interactive games, storytelling, and educational skits that earned five Altın Kelebek awards for best children's programming, targeting broad age groups with content on Turkish folktales and basic ethics. More recent or imported entries, such as "Gece Bahçesi" (In the Night Garden), catered to toddlers with repetitive, imaginative narratives promoting routine and curiosity. These efforts reflect TRT 1's historical role in family-oriented broadcasting, though volume has diminished with channel specialization.

Branding and technical development

Visual identity and logos

The visual identity of TRT 1, as the flagship channel of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), has undergone periodic updates to reflect technological transitions and corporate branding strategies. These changes typically align with broader TRT rebrandings, emphasizing simplicity, national symbolism, and modern design elements. Early logos from the channel's inception in 1968 featured basic textual representations, evolving toward more stylized forms with the advent of color television in the A significant corporate-wide logo refresh occurred on February 1, 2001, coinciding with TRT's 33rd anniversary in television which updated the overall visual framework applied to channels including TRT 1. This iteration introduced a more contemporary typographic style aimed at modernization, though it faced some public criticism for appearing simplistic. On May 19, 2012, TRT 1 renewed its logo alongside the launch of 16:9 HD broadcasting, adopting a design with enhanced clarity for high-definition formats and refreshed idents to support the wider aspect ratio. The current logo was introduced on February 1, 2021, integrating the recently updated TRT corporate logotype to unify branding across the institution on the channel's 53rd anniversary. This version features the "TRT" wordmark paired with a bold, layered numeral "1" symbolizing diversity in Turkish society—encompassing languages, beliefs, and cultural richness—while maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic suitable for digital platforms.

Broadcasting technology and formats

TRT 1 initially transmitted analog signals using the PAL color encoding system superimposed on CCIR System B for VHF band frequencies, which were reserved primarily for its broadcasts. This standard operated at 625 lines per frame with 50 fields per second, delivering standard-definition content in a 4:3 aspect ratio during the channel's early decades. Turkey transitioned to digital terrestrial television with the adoption of the DVB-T2 standard and MPEG-4 video compression, enabling higher efficiency and capacity for high-definition services. The nationwide analog switch-off occurred in phases, culminating in completion by March 2015, after which TRT 1's primary over-the-air distribution relied on DVB-T2 multiplexes. In May 2012, TRT 1 introduced widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio programming alongside its first high-definition simulcast feed, marking a shift from legacy 4:3 formats to modern widescreen production standards. The HD feed utilizes interlaced scanning compatible with DVB-T2 parameters, supporting enhanced resolution while maintaining backward compatibility via downscaled SD transmissions in 576i. TRT 1 also distributes via satellite (DVB-S/S2) and cable platforms, employing similar MPEG-4 encoding for consistent format delivery across terrestrial, satellite, and IP-based services.

Governance and operations

Organizational structure and funding

TRT operates as a statutory public corporation under the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation Law, with its highest decision-making body being a board of directors comprising nine members, the majority of whom are appointed by the President of Turkey through decree. The Director General, responsible for day-to-day operations and strategic oversight of channels including TRT 1, is also appointed by the President for a renewable four-year term; Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahid Sobacı was reappointed to this position on July 13, 2025, having first assumed it in July 2021. Following a July 2018 presidential decree amid Turkey's transition to a presidential system of government, TRT was subordinated to the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, enhancing executive oversight of its administrative and editorial functions while maintaining its formal status as an autonomous public entity. Internally, TRT is organized into directorates for news, production, technical services, and with TRT 1 managed under the domestic television division responsible for general programming. Funding for TRT, which supports TRT 1's operations, derives primarily from the "TRT payı" (TRT share), a mandatory levy of approximately 2% on household and commercial electricity bills introduced in the 1990s and collected by utility providers before transfer to TRT; this source accounts for 70-80% of total revenue as of recent years. Supplementary income includes direct allocations from the national budget (around 10-20%), advertising sales, and limited commercial activities such as program exports, though the hypothecated electricity tax ensures fiscal dependence on state-collected revenues rather than direct viewer licenses. In 2023, TRT's total budget exceeded 3 billion Turkish lira, reflecting annual adjustments tied to inflation and government fiscal policy, with no public mandate for independent audits of expenditure efficiency.

Editorial independence and government oversight

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), which operates TRT 1, is constitutionally mandated to maintain autonomy and impartiality as a public broadcaster under Article 133 of the Turkish Constitution, prohibiting state interference in its broadcasting activities. This framework positions TRT as a semi-independent public service entity, with financial mechanisms designed to reduce direct budgetary dependence on annual government appropriations. Approximately 70% of TRT's funding derives from a mandatory 2% tax on household electricity bills, 20% from state grants, and the remainder from advertising revenue, a structure implemented to insulate operations from fiscal leverage by ruling administrations. Despite these provisions, TRT's governance structure enables significant executive oversight, as the director general and board members are appointed by the President of Turkey—a process centralized following the 2017 constitutional referendum that expanded presidential powers. This appointment mechanism, combined with parliamentary dominance by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) since 2002, has facilitated alignment between TRT's editorial direction and government priorities, according to analyses from media watchdogs. Independent evaluations, including content audits of news programming, have documented systematic favoritism toward the AKP and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, such as disproportionate airtime for ruling party figures during election campaigns—for instance, in the 2023 parliamentary and presidential elections, where opposition coverage was minimal compared to pro-government narratives. Critics, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the State Media Monitor, contend that TRT functions as an extension of state propaganda rather than an impartial outlet, citing instances like the 2024 investigation by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) into TRT Haber's pro-government election bias, which nonetheless resulted in no substantive reforms. These assessments draw on empirical metrics like broadcast logs and thematic analysis, though organizations such as RSF face accusations of selective focus on non-Western governments amid their own institutional biases toward liberal democratic norms. TRT officials counter that editorial decisions reflect a to prioritize national interests and counter foreign disinformation, rejecting claims of politicization as politically motivated attacks from opposition-aligned media. Oversight extends through RTÜK, the regulatory body supervising all broadcasters including TRT, whose seven members are selected by parliament (typically reflecting the majority party's composition) and the President, enabling fines or license threats against non-compliant content—though TRT itself has rarely faced such penalties. This interplay of formal autonomy and practical executive influence underscores causal linkages between political leadership and content output, evidenced by TRT's coverage shifts correlating with AKP policy emphases since 2002, rather than insulated journalistic standards.

Impact and cultural role

Viewership metrics and domestic influence

TRT 1 consistently ranks among Turkey's top ten most-watched channels, with an average audience share of around 5.77% as measured by TİAK, the official television audience measurement firm established in 2023 to provide standardized comparative viewership data across broadcasters. This share reflects overall channel performance in a fragmented market dominated by private networks like ATV and Kanal D, where TRT 1's viewership is bolstered by state-mandated accessibility and programming tailored to national events and serialized dramas. Daily ratings for flagship series, such as Taşacak Bu Deniz, have reached peaks of 8.94 points in the total audience category during late 2025 episodes, underscoring the channel's reliance on high-performing domestic content to sustain engagement. Peak viewership occurs during major national broadcasts, exemplified by TRT 1's coverage of Turkey's Euro 2024 matches, which achieved a 26.08 rating and 73.42% share in the AB demographic, drawing millions through patriotic sports programming unavailable on commercial rivals. Historical data from earlier periods show variability; for instance, in 2020, the channel's share hovered at 4.02%, per industry reports, while pre-2023 metrics under the prior RTÜK-supervised system placed it similarly in the mid-single digits amid competition from ad-driven private channels. These figures, derived from panel-based metering of approximately 5,000 households, indicate steady but not dominant penetration, with TRT 1 capturing broader rural and conservative viewers less targeted by urban-focused commercial outlets. Domestically, TRT 1 wields influence through culturally resonant content that promotes Turkish nationalist and historical narratives, particularly via epic series like Diriliş: Ertuğrul, which sustained audience shares above 30% in its 2016 second season and revitalized the channel's appeal by depicting Ottoman-era heroism aligned with contemporary identity politics. Such programming shapes public opinion by emphasizing themes of resilience and Islamic heritage, resonating in conservative demographics and countering secular influences from private media, as noted in analyses of state television's role in reinforcing ruling party ideologies. As the primary public broadcaster funded largely by a device tax rather than advertising (generating TRY 18.24 billion in 2023 from bandrol fees), TRT 1 maintains reach in underserved regions, fostering a parallel narrative ecosystem that prioritizes state perspectives over market-driven sensationalism, though critics argue this entrenches government-aligned cultural hegemony.

International exports and soft power

TRT 1's programming, particularly its historical dramas, has been exported to over 100 countries, contributing to Turkey's cultural influence abroad. The flagship series Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2014–2019), which chronicles the life of Ertuğrul Ghazi, father of the Ottoman Empire's founder, was licensed for broadcast in 72 countries and dubbed into languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Urdu. This series achieved significant viewership in regions with historical ties to the Ottoman era, such as , where its Urdu-dubbed YouTube channel exceeded 10 million subscribers by November 2020 and was aired on state television. These exports align with Turkey's soft power strategy by disseminating narratives of Islamic heroism, resilience, and governance rooted in Seljuk and early Ottoman history, appealing to audiences in the Middle East, Balkans, and South Asia. TRT officials have stated that Turkish television content, including TRT 1 productions, reaches approximately 800 million viewers across 146 countries spanning Latin America to the Middle East, fostering affinity for Turkish values and history. In the Arab world, TRT's membership in the Arab States Broadcasting Union since January 2025 facilitates further distribution of such dramas, building on Diriliş: Ertuğrul's established popularity there. While private Turkish production houses dominate overall drama exports—generating over $600 million in 2023 to more than 170 countries—TRT 1's state-backed series emphasize ideological elements like anti-colonial resistance and moral leadership, distinguishing them as tools for public diplomacy rather than purely commercial ventures. This approach has been credited with reshaping global perceptions of Turkey, particularly in Muslim-majority nations, by countering negative stereotypes through epic storytelling. However, the effectiveness of this soft power is debated, as viewership data relies on broadcaster estimates and may not uniformly translate to geopolitical influence.

Controversies

Allegations of pro-government bias

TRT, as Turkey's state broadcaster including its flagship channel , has faced repeated accusations from press freedom organizations of favoring the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President in its programming and news coverage. (RSF) has highlighted Erdoğan's close control over TRT, describing it as part of a broader state apparatus that prioritizes government narratives, particularly since the 2016 coup attempt, which led to tightened media oversight and personnel changes aligning with AKP policies. A prominent example involves election coverage disparities. During the lead-up to the May 2023 parliamentary and presidential elections, RSF reported that Erdoğan received approximately 60 times more airtime on —TRT's primary news outlet integrated into broadcasts—compared to opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in April 2023 alone, impeding fair campaign visibility for non-government figures. This imbalance extended to TRT's overall output, where opposition events received minimal or delayed coverage, while pro-government rallies were prominently featured, according to analyses by independent monitors. In April 2024, Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) launched an investigation into for alleged pro-government propaganda during local election coverage, despite a legal ban on such content; reports noted TRT's airing of government-favorable segments even after opposition complaints, underscoring claims of editorial favoritism. Critics, including opposition lawmakers, have pointed to TRT's taxpayer funding—exceeding 2 billion Turkish lira annually in recent budgets—as enabling unchecked alignment with AKP messaging, such as downplaying economic crises or protests while amplifying state achievements. Further allegations cite TRT's selective reporting on domestic unrest. In March 2025, state TV channels including TRT avoided live coverage of mass street protests against government policies, labeling them "disinformation" per official directives from RTÜK, which restricted footage to prevent perceived incitement. Such patterns have contributed to low public trust in TRT, with surveys indicating pro-government outlets like it rank among the least credible in Turkey, per global media trust indices. These claims are often contextualized by TRT's legal mandate as a public service broadcaster, yet watchdogs argue it deviates from impartiality standards observed in other state media systems. TRT has faced accusations of engaging in or enabling censorship, particularly through selective coverage and content suppression aligned with government priorities. During the 2013 Gezi Park protests, which began on May 28, TRT provided minimal live reporting on the demonstrations, instead broadcasting programming such as nature documentaries, a decision criticized by media watchdogs as indicative of deliberate avoidance of dissenting voices. This mirrored broader mainstream media patterns but was especially notable for the state broadcaster, whose charter requires public service obligations including balanced information dissemination. In a prominent incident on July 15, 2016, during the failed military coup attempt, putschist soldiers seized TRT's Ankara headquarters, forcing a presenter at gunpoint to read a martial law declaration on air, effectively hijacking the broadcast for propaganda purposes. The takeover lasted approximately six hours until security forces regained control, highlighting vulnerabilities in state media infrastructure to coercive control, though it was framed by the government as an attack on democratic institutions rather than internal censorship. TRT has also been implicated in extending censorship beyond its platforms, notably through systematic abuse of YouTube's copyright system to remove critical content. A 2020 report documented TRT filing mass takedown requests against videos by independent creators and opposition figures, such as those covering government corruption or protest footage, resulting in channel demonetization or suspension; this tactic was employed over 1,000 times in some cases, prompting accusations of state-orchestrated silencing of online dissent. Opposition groups have pursued legal challenges against TRT for discriminatory practices tantamount to censorship, including failure to provide equitable airtime during elections. The pro-Kurdish HDP party repeatedly lodged complaints with Turkey's Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and courts, alleging violations of the 6112 Broadcasting Law requiring public broadcasters to allocate slots proportionally to political parties; for instance, in 2018 and 2019, HDP claimed near-total exclusion from TRT programming despite legal mandates, leading to administrative petitions though rarely resulting in enforceable remedies due to institutional alignment. The European Court of Human Rights has adjudicated related cases, such as Özkan v. Turkey (decided 1999), where a TRT employee's dismissal for alleged political expression was upheld domestically but raised free speech concerns under Article 10 of the European Convention. Program cancellations have fueled claims of preemptive censorship. The satirical series Leyla ile Mecnun, aired on TRT 1 from 2011 to 2014, was abruptly terminated in June 2014 amid reports of government discomfort with its parodic depictions of authority figures, coinciding with post-Gezi scrutiny of critical content; producers cited editorial pressures, though TRT attributed it to scheduling. Such incidents underscore ongoing tensions between TRT's public mandate and perceived alignment with ruling party narratives, contributing to self-censorship among staff to avoid repercussions.

Defenses from TRT and government perspectives

TRT executives have maintained that the broadcaster upholds positioning itself as a public service entity committed to impartial coverage reflective of Turkey's national priorities. In filings under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), TRT's Washington bureau asserted that it "operates impartially" and is not directed or controlled by foreign principals, despite receiving funding, as a means to resist initial registration requirements. Similarly, when facing U.S. scrutiny over potential foreign agent status in 2025, TRT reiterated claims of autonomy, arguing that its operations align with public broadcasting standards rather than partisan directives. From the government's viewpoint, TRT serves as an autonomous institution insulated from direct interference, enabling it to counter external narratives perceived as hostile to Turkish interests. In 2009, then-Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu defended TRT's programming decisions amid international criticism, stating that the broadcaster functions independently and that the government does not intervene in its content. Officials have framed TRT's coverage as a necessary balance against opposition-dominated private media and Western outlets accused of systemic bias against Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighting such foreign media distortions in public remarks without conceding similar flaws in state broadcasting. This perspective posits TRT's alignment with state policies—such as on national security or foreign affairs—as fulfilling its mandate to promote unity and truth over partisan sensationalism, rather than evidence of undue influence. Regarding censorship allegations, TRT and government representatives have dismissed them as politically motivated attacks from domestic opponents or international actors seeking to undermine Turkey's sovereignty. TRT has not issued detailed public rebuttals to specific incidents but has emphasized compliance with national laws on broadcasting standards, including restrictions imposed by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) to prevent content deemed harmful to public order. Proponents argue that such measures protect against disinformation campaigns, akin to practices in other democracies, and that TRT's output remains diverse, including cultural and educational programming unbound by controversy. Critics' claims of legal challenges are countered by assertions that judicial outcomes validate TRT's operations, with no successful convictions establishing systemic suppression.

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