Peripheral Vision: Cultural Industries and Cultural Identities in Turkey

Abstract

We consider recent developments in the cultural industries in Turkey, with particular reference to television broadcasting. We seek to show how recent transformations in the industry have been associated with significant developments in Turkish cultural identity. Historically, broadcasting has existed under the monopoly of the state-run Turkish Radio and Television Authority (TRT), and functioned very much as a voice of the Kemalist ideology of the Republic. From 1990, however, there was a rapid proliferation of illegal, commercial television channels, broadcasting signals from outside the country. This led to a new vitality in Turkish television culture, as the new commercial interests sought to develop programming that would appeal to audiences tired of the ‘official’ fare of TRT. Television began to reflect the popular culture of Turkey in ways that were quite creative. Since 1994, and the passing of new broadcasting legislation, the turbulence of commercialisation has quietened. There has been a degree of concentration in the industry, and commercial programming has become less innovative. The momentum of change has slowed, though it has by no means been halted.