EU Gives Turkey a Failing Mark On Media Freedom
While the European Parliament report on Turkey gives the government low marks on media freedom, the media industry may be mostly responsible for this outcome.
The European Parliament's report on Turkey this year, adopted on Oct. 18, presents a mixed bag of progress and concern related to the country’s democratization efforts. It’s noteworthy that media freedom receives the least praise, which in a way reveals the state of democratic culture in the country.
“Key provisions of the Turkish legal framework and their interpretation by members of the judiciary continue to hamper freedom of expression, including freedom of the media,” the report states. “The ownership structure of the Turkish media, dominated by large industrial groups, combined with at times intimidating statements by high-level officials and warnings by the authorities, also makes self-censorship in the media widespread, as shown when mainstream media failed to report on the June protests. This environment has also led to dismissals and resignations of journalists.”
Well said — especially the flag raised concerning the media structure set up by the government. This creates loopholes for both sides to abuse their powers and each other, bringing about a relationship bound to create problems.
Truth be told, this is not a new thing. It is just that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has figured out how to use this weakness to its interest. The media conceded their duty long ago as the fourth estate. The government decided to play hardball with the long-standing media patronage, confident in its strong showing at the ballot box since increasing its votes in three consecutive general elections, beginning in November 2002.
