News anchor quits job after her critical remarks in live broadcast

Turkish news anchor Dilara Gonder quit her job in mainstream Show TV after her glowing remarks during a live broadcast about the role of political and social neglect in the catastrophic results of the 6 February earthquake.

Show TV Ana Haber Bülteni Sunucusu Dilara Gönder: “Böyle ölümlü ders mi olur hocam. Ders dediniz ya ya hocam gelsin ekrana Maraş. Kader mi?'' pic.twitter.com/5uySCvnLNt

— Yeniçağ (@Gazete_Yenicag) February 8, 2023

Upon a comment during a live broadcast by a geology engineer that the earthquake "taught a lesson," Dilara Gonder reacted, saying:

"What kind of a lesson is this? A lesson with so many deaths? Haven't we had enough deaths in this lesson back in 1999? Is this last one supposed to be another lesson? We are taking this lesson all the time, but we cannot pass. The exam paper never has anything on it. Here, let's have the exam paper on the screen. Let's see the image of Maras [the quake's epicenter]."

When the expert said, "We unfortunately have a fish memory," Gonder reacted again:

"Sir, even the fishes are more secure under the water."

She finally asked sarcastically: "Who is responsible for this situation? Is it the fate?"

Turkish mainstream media have been very cautious not to voice any criticism of the government after the earthquake, and they have been careful not to show quake sites and survivors where any rescue or aid teams are not present.

Ali Babacan, leader of the opposition Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) and former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, recently said:

"Rescue operations are being held at only one out of every 100 destroyed buildings. There is no activity in the others. People are waiting helplessly."