Northern Cyprus has several newspapers, TV channels, radio stations and online media. Most media owners are businessmen with other financial interests. Informal and financial relationships between politicians and media owners affect the independence of editorial content. Pluralism is threatened by lawsuits against the media, verbal attacks against journalists, direct interference in editorial work, and growing media concentration in the hands of Turkish businessmen. Self-censorship is widespread. 

Türkiye’s increasing pressure has a negative impact on press freedom. Sanctions, lawsuits and criminal proceedings are deployed against journalists who criticise the Turkish or Turkish Cypriot government, military, or authorities. A journalist is currently facing ten years in prison for criticising the Turkish military and four journalists have been denied entry into Türkiye. Others have been censored, fired, or forced to resign after criticising Turkish policies or Turkish Cypriot politicians. The public media are under full control of the government.

Legislation protects press freedom while restricting it in order to protect public order, national security, and even public decency. Defamation is a crime, and there are no laws to protect sources. Lawsuits seeking huge damages are brought against the media. Turkish Cypriot authorities have recently tried to amend existing legislation to further limit freedom of expression. Although an appeals court upheld a journalist’s acquittal in a defamation case, it set a dangerous precedent by placing national laws above the European Convention on Human Rights. Journalists may be prosecuted in absentia in Türkiye.

The media have been hard hit by the economic crisis caused by the devaluation of the Turkish lira. Their dependence on advertising and sponsorships has increased business influence over editorial content. Many media outlets have changed owners due to economic difficulties. At the same time, many journalists take on PR work, which affects their objectivity. 

Although there are no serious threats or physical attacks, a growing number of  journalists have been subjected to verbal attacks and harassment campaigns by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities. Reporters are also often victims of online harassment.