Thinking across spaces: Transnational television from Turkey

• Published in: European journal of cultural studies 2000-09, Vol.3 (3), p.343-365
• Main Authors: Aksoy, Asu, Robins, Kevin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Broadcasting; Cultural Identity; Cultural studies; Ethnicity; Europe; Federal Republic of Germany; Globalization; Media; Middle Eastern Cultural Groups; Muslims; Popular Culture; Television; Turkey
• ISSN: 1367-5494; 1460-3551
• DOI: 10.1177/136754940000300305

This article is concerned with the development of transnational television from Turkey, particularly across the European space. First, it seeks to provide an overview of which channels are currently available, emphasizing the new variety – from the programming of the state broadcaster (TRT), through a vibrant array of new commercial broadcasters, to new Muslim channels. Then we move on to look at the implications of these new developments for Turkish audiences in Europe. What we argue is that Turkish television culture is now quite diverse, as also are the audiences that watch it – there are many different ways of being Turkish now. Against those, generally conservative, critics, especially in Germany, who believe that Turkish television is becoming a kind of cultural ghetto for the Turkish audiences that are its viewers, we maintain that the picture is in fact far more complex. As they select different channels and programmes to watch, these audiences use television to actively think about their own identities: their identities between places. They are thinking across spaces, and give us some sense of the experience of a new kind of media culture that has become de-linked from a singular national reference point.