News channel sacks anchor for on-air Starbucks cup because it goes in opposition to pro-Gaza stance

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A tv information anchor in Turkey has been fired after showing on digicam with a Starbucks cup on her desk.

Award-winning anchor Meltem Günay,45, from TGRT Haber and the director of the programme have been sacked instantly after a broadcast on Sunday (24 December).

The Istanbul-based media firm put out a press release over the weekend on X, previously often called Twitter, condemning the actions taken by the anchor.

The assertion mentioned: “In the news broadcast of TGRT Haber TV dated 24.12.2023, Meltem Günay, who was an announcer, was seen presenting the news with a Starbucks cup in front of her.

“In accordance with the principles of our institution, it is strictly forbidden for the announcer to present on TGRT News TV in a way that will covertly advertise any company.

“The news anchor and director who acted contrary to this principle were terminated for just cause. Our institution has an understanding that knows the sensitivities of the Turkish people regarding Gaza and defends them to the end.”

The outlet continued: “It is absolutely impossible to approve any action or publication contrary to this. We do not approve of this action of the presenter and director, whose employment contracts were terminated, and we strongly condemn it. For this reason, their employment contracts were terminated.”

TGRT Haber additionally mentioned the establishment will proceed to “stand by the Gaza and Turkish people” in addition to “protect their sensitivities until the end”.

In current weeks there was a nationwide boycott of Starbucks in Turkey as folks declare the corporate holds a bias towards Israel.

In November a bunch of pro-boycott activists put in a Bluetooth speaker at a Starbucks department in Istanbul.

The speaker broadcasted a message in each Turkish and English languages, telling prospects the cash they spend at Starbucks goes to “Gaza’s babies as bombs, blood, and death”.

“Hello dear guest,” the message began off, “we have a small reminder message for you. The money you are currently paying for this organisation, is going to Gaza’s babies as bombs, blood and death.”

“Thank you for your sensitivity,” the published ended.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can be a long-standing supporter of Gaza and its folks.

Last month, Erdogan labelled Israel a “terror state” and known as for Israeli leaders to be tried for conflict crimes on the International Court of Justice in The Hague.