Turk Telekom signs with Turkish digital ad agency

In a sign of its pivot away from U.S. advertising, Turkish telecommunications giant Turk Telekom and a local digital advertising firm have signed an agreement, Turk Telekom announced on Wednesday.

"Taking the lead in the 'No ads in America' campaign, Turk Telekom has cut its advertising budget that was set aside for American global ad companies," Turk Telekom said in a press release announcing its signing with Turkey’s Admatic.

The campaign suggests that its ads are being pulled from U.S. platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.

Hamdi Ates, Turk Telekom's corporate communication head, said on Monday that the company has told advertising agencies not to include its ads in U.S. outlets.

"[Turk Telekom] continues to develop and utilize local and national platforms as part of the digital advertising solutions that the company provides," it added.

Paun Doany, Turk Telekom CEO, said: “Everyone must do their own part against the economic sanctions brought against Turkey."

He stressed: "We signed a collaboration agreement with the Admatic Group, a local Turkish technology platform. Thanks to this collaboration … we have started a new movement that will be an example for the sector in the sense of utilizing and developing local and national platform alternatives."

Turkey and the U.S. are currently experiencing rocky relations following Washington’s imposition of sanctions on two government ministers for not releasing American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who faces terrorism-related charges in Turkey.

Last Friday President Donald Trump ramped up his attack on Turkey by doubling U.S. tariffs on Turkish aluminum and steel imports.