Training on “Problems in Journalism, Democracy in the Media and Opportunities for Journalism” was given by Prof. Dr. Ruhdan Uzun, Prof. Dr. Korkmaz Alemdar and Yusuf Kanlı on 25 May 2019 in Ağrı. In attendance of the training were Governor of Ağrı Süleyman Elban, Mayor of Ağrı Savcı Sayan, Chairman of the Associatio of Journalists Nazmi Bilgin, Vice Chairman of the Association of Journalists and Project Director of Media for Democracy Program Yusuf Kanlı, Chairman of the Association of Journalists in Ağrı Alaetting Aslan, Democracy of Media/Media for Democracy National Commitee Member Prof. Dr. Korkmaz Alemdar, Confederation of Journalists in Turkey Secretary General Sefa Özdemir, Prof. Dr. Ruhadan Uzun and local journalists working in Ağrı.
Kanlı, who made the opening speech gave brief information about the M4D program, stated that they aim to contribute to the structural strengthening of the capacity of journalists and journalism organizations to improve freedom of expression and increase democracy in the media in Turkey. Kanlı exclaimed that they will be implementing activities to support relations between journalists and organizations in the media field; Kanlı also provided local journalists in Ağrı information about the support the M4D programme provides to freelance journalists, unemployed and young journalists, professional press organizations and media organizations.
Bilgin “Local newspapers can sustain pluralism”
Chairman of the Association of Journalists Bilgin emphasized the importance of the local press by saying “In recent years media organizations have become monopolized. The public has been exposed to a bombardment of one-sided politics. This is why the local press must struggle to protect freedom of the press. The most important tool to sustain pluralism is the local press.”
Governor of Ağrı Elban and Mayor of Ağrı Savcı Sayan exclaimed that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are very important for a democracy by saying “Both local journalists and journalists in mainstream media must be objective and fair. Media worker must produce content that reflect current affairs truthfully and independently.”
Alemdar, who conducted training on Democracy in the Media, evaluated the current status of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in the media. Alemdar defined ethics in the media as a set of rule agreed upon by journalists active in the profession that help them practise their profession.
Prof. Dr. Uzun talked about the effects new media and how it has changed and improved the function of journalists in Turkey and Europe. A certificate of participation was handed out to those who joined “Problems in Journalism, Democracy in the Media and Opportunities for Journalism” training.
