Prominent Figures from the Field Meet at the 10th of January Journalists' Day Panel
The Department of Journalism at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Communication, the New Media and Journalism Master's Program, the Journalism Club, and the Media Academy Association (MAKDER) organized a panel for the 10th of January Journalists' Day. The event, which featured significant journalists from the field, focused on the profession of journalism and current challenges.
The panel took place at the Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall, Üsküdar University South Campus.
Moderated by Prof. Süleyman İrvan, the Head of the Department of Journalism, the panel featured İbrahim Günay, the General Editor of TGRTHABER.COM, Aydın Türkmen, the Publication Coordinator at Akşam Newspaper, Pınar Aktaş, the Managing Editor of Milliyet Newspaper, and Göksel Göksu, the News Director at Medyascope.
Meryem Aydın: “Journalism is not just about reporting, it is about chasing the truth.”
Opening the program, Meryem Aydın, the President of the Üsküdar University Journalism Club, emphasized the significance of the 10th of January Journalists' Day. Aydın said, “Journalism is not just about reporting; it is about chasing the truth. It means being the eyes and ears of society and bravely speaking the truth, even in the most difficult conditions. Today is the day for all journalists who work tirelessly, guided by justice and truth.”
Selçuk Taşdemir: “Üsküdar Communication is the flagship of communication faculties.”
Selçuk Taşdemir, the President of the Media Academy Association (MAKDER), highlighted the importance of practice in the profession. Taşdemir stated, “Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication is the flagship of communication faculties. I wish a happy 10th of January Journalists' Day to all our journalists and journalism candidates. As MAKDER, we strive to help turn your theoretical knowledge into practice and guide you as you map out your path.”
Göksel Göksu: “Today, there are too many journalists who are afraid to ask questions.”
Göksel Göksu, News Director at Medyascope, shared how he started his career and progressed in the field. He mentioned, “Information comes from the source. We used to ask the people on the street, regardless of their status, the questions that needed to be asked. Nowadays, there are too many journalists who are afraid to ask questions, but we must overcome this and stop self-censorship. In our time, we communicated via radios. Now, everyone carries small computers in their pockets. A minute is very important for us. If necessary, delay the news by a minute, but deliver the correct information.”
İbrahim Günay: “It’s a great joy to see the journalists of the future in front of us.”
İbrahim Günay, General Editor of TGRTHABER.COM, shared his experiences in the journalism profession. Günay stated, “It is really heartwarming to see such a young and valuable audience together. It brings us great joy to see the journalists of the future in front of us. We are sitting here now, but in the coming years, we will likely see many of you in these seats.”
Aydın Türkmen: “In digital journalism, it has become harder to reach the truth.”
Aydın Türkmen, the Publication Coordinator of Akşam Newspaper, emphasized how journalism has shifted to digital platforms. He said, “Journalism is a profession that will continue, and in this sense, those present here are very lucky. Today, journalism has transformed into digital formats, but still, printed newspapers should be read. In digital journalism, it has become harder to reach the truth. There is no such thing as fully independent journalism anywhere in the world. The newspaper is currently a source of trust.”
Pınar Aktaş: “Unfortunately, digital platforms are managed by people who have nothing to do with journalism.”
Pınar Aktaş, Managing Editor of Milliyet Newspaper, pointed out the shortcomings of digital journalism. She said, “Journalism holds great promise, but the way it is practiced on digital platforms needs to change. Unfortunately, digital platforms are managed by people who have nothing to do with journalism. We witness people acting without adhering to journalistic ethics on these platforms, but journalism will endure.”
The panel concluded with a group photo.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜHA)