Reports and policy recommendations prepared following the working group meetings held as part of the Second Communication Council, organised by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, were discussed during the second session of the day under the theme “Media, Journalism and Broadcasting".
During the session, moderated by Dr Zeynep Zelan, Head of the Press and Publications Department at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, reports and policy recommendations prepared by various working groups were presented to the public. Professor Mehmet Sezai Türk, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Hacı Bayram Veli University; Osman Küçükdalak, Media Coordinator at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications; Ekrem Kızıltaş, President of the Media Association; and Deniz Demir, Coordinator of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, delivered presentations on the findings and recommendations of their respective working groups.
Presenting on behalf of the “New Approaches in Radio and Television Broadcasting” Working Group, Professor Mehmet Sezai Türk, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Hacı Bayram Veli University, said, “Quality content that is free from rating concerns, upholds cultural and ethical values, and reflects our national identity and history should be produced.”
Stressing that the fight against piracy requires a multidimensional approach, Professor Türk underlined the need to strengthen the legal framework, enhance cooperation between the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and internet service providers, and implement public awareness campaigns.
Presenting on behalf of the “News Production and Citizen Journalism” Working Group, Osman Küçükdalak, Media Coordinator at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, stated:
“Strengthening verification mechanisms, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and improving the legal framework are regarded as key elements in combating disinformation.”
Speaking on behalf of the “Challenges Facing Local Media and Policy Recommendations” Working Group, Ekrem Kızıltaş, President of the Media Association, stated that expanding internship and project collaborations between communication faculties and local media outlets would contribute to the development of a qualified workforce. He added:
"Every media outlet should establish an internal commission to review ethical violations.”
Presenting on behalf of the “Media and Disinformation” Working Group, Deniz Demir, Coordinator of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, stated that media literacy should be promoted across all age groups through up-to-date content. He emphasised:
“National and international digital crisis management and verification mechanisms should be developed to prevent information pollution during times of crisis.”
During the panel, the working group reports covering a wide range of topics—from the transformation of media and broadcasting and news production processes to strengthening local media and combating disinformation—were evaluated, while recommendations aimed at fostering a stronger, more reliable, and more sustainable media ecosystem were shared.
