Journalistic ethics and political-media relations amid the termination of the CHP-Halk TV agreement

The termination of the agreement between the CHP and Halk TV has sparked a debate on journalistic ethics and the relationship between political parties and the media. Academic Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Arsan and Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici shed light on the issue.

Arsan points out that partisan relations between politicians and journalists have a long history in Turkey. She argues that while it's not a problem for opposition parties to establish their own media outlets, the real problem is that such relationships are often hidden from the public.

Bildirici, on the other hand, emphasizes that media organizations should maintain an equal distance from all political parties in order to be truly critical and independent. He criticizes the practice of broadcasting entire political speeches and meetings without critical evaluation, which compromises journalistic integrity.

Both experts acknowledge that the media landscape in Turkey is influenced by financial interests and that media outlets often align themselves with the parties that support them financially. They stress the importance of journalistic ethics and the need to uphold the principles of objective reporting and critical evaluation.

The termination of the agreement between the CHP and Halk TV was met with different explanations from both sides. CHP deputy chairman Eren Erdem said Halk TV had failed to fulfill the terms of the agreement, while Halk TV chairman Cafer Mahiroglu expressed concerns about censorship and the need for journalistic independence.