New Turkey, Social Policy, and a Daytime Talk Show as a Remedy: Muge Anli as a Modern <i>calikusu</I>

Abstract

'Muge Anli ile Tatli Sert', which investigates unresolved criminal cases with interactive audience support, is one the most popular daytime television shows in contemporary Turkey. The neoliberal restructuring of the welfare system in New Turkey posits that providing protection and security against social risks is the sole responsibility of individuals and families. In line with this approach, the show individualizes social problems ready to be resolved by 'Muge Abla' (Sister Muge) and her audience. Muge Anli's image, which conforms to the ideal modern and modest Republican woman, allows her to gain authority, trust, respect, and popularity. The show's discourses, structure, and communicative strategies are the product of the New Turkey where 'the sacred family' is the central political unit and the nation is an extended, happy family reproduced through this show.