Director of Communications Altun shared a message on the occasion of “January 10 Working Journalists' Day”, emphasizing that the press, which performs a vital function for a strong democracy worldwide, mediates individuals' access to true, accurate and reliable information and contributes to the formation of a healthy public opinion.

Altun underlined that journalists who go to great lengths in the media sector and strengthen democracy by defending and representing the truth played a significant role in this regard, and he added, “Media members constitute a strategic pillar of the individuals' and society's freedom of and right to access to information, which is guaranteed in our country by the Constitution. Journalists who strive to provide society with accurate, complete, and verified information and who pursue only the truth also safeguard and improve the profession's prestige.”

Altun expressed his pleasure that the press was benefiting from the progress made in every field, from democracy to technological infrastructure, over the previous two decades under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Altun said that in a media environment dominated by pluralism, diversity, and freedom, protecting the framework of freedom of the press and expression would continue to be their priority, as it had always been, and he added:

“Of course, this framework excludes terrorist propaganda, efforts targeting societal corruption and hate, as well as infringement of personal rights across our country, just like around the globe. We are on top of the countries having to face the risks of this period, in which attempts to replace facts and truth with falsehoods and disinformation are stepped up. Additionally, we live in a geography where regional problems have a global impact. Journalists play an important role in responding to these threats and crises, as well as in exposing the truth to the people of their duty country and the global audience.”

Stating that digitalization, on the other hand, offered new opportunities for journalism in the domains of newspapers, television and radio, as well as of the internet and social media, Altun said that they were proud of the successful work of members of the press who combined these opportunities and innovations with their professional knowledge and competence.

“We, as the Directorate of Communications, will continue to support press members who uphold their professional principles and democratic values, carry out their jobs with sensitivity and dignity, and thereby strengthen the confidence in the media and the sector's quality,” said Altun in his message, and continued,

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who works in the media industry, from the reporter to the cameraman, the photojournalist to the editor, the newsreader to the editor-in-chief, for ensuring society's right to information with great devotion and effort day and night during the global pandemic period as well, just like under all circumstances and conditions. With these sentiments and thoughts, I extend my congratulations on the occasion of January 10 Working Journalists' Day, wish all our press members success in their jobs, and pray for Allah's mercy on the press members who lost their lives in the line of duty.” (ILKHA)