TÜRKİYE ORTA ASYA HABER KKUORDİNATÖRÜ

IFJ - INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF JOURNALISTS LE PETIT JOURNAL FRANCE Press Freedom in Türkiye: Between Silence and Resistance In 2024, Turkey continues to be among the countries with the most restrictive press freedom policies. Journalists face increasing censorship and constant pressure. How do they cope in such an environment? Freedom of Expression: A Constant Challenge for the Turkish Press Turkey ranks 158th in Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index, remaining one of the most repressive countries in terms of press freedom in 2024. In contrast, Norway ranks first and France ranks 24th. This difference highlights the chasm between countries where the press is free and those where censorship is widespread. Increasing Censorship: Government-Controlled Press The Turkish media landscape is dominated by state-controlled media, with almost 90% of national channels owned by the state. However, independent media outlets such as Fox TV and Halk TV, and international sites like BBC Turkish and Deutsche Welle Turkish, continue to resist censorship and inform the public on socio-economic and political issues. Legislative pressure and its effects on journalists During election periods, particularly in 2023, many journalists, including Kurdish journalists, were arrested. The Turkish government intensified its repression using restrictive laws and digital censorship to control access to information. Disinformation legislation has now become an additional tool for limiting freedom of expression. Economic pressure and pluralism under threat The Turkish government exerts economic pressure on critical media outlets through public advertising and fines, restricting their access to essential funding sources. Meanwhile, the cost of newspaper production, particularly the price of paper, constitutes another significant obstacle to press freedom. Threats and security: journalists under pressure Journalists who cover sensitive topics such as corruption, secularism, or religious groups face physical threats and the risk of legal prosecution. This culture of violence and impunity is making the journalism profession increasingly dangerous. Hope for a free press in Türkiye Despite these challenges, independent journalists and media outlets continue to resist pressure. Though weakened, these dissenting voices remain vital for protecting freedom of expression and democratic debate.