Üsküdar University's Strategy Research and Development Club, with the support of the Health, Culture and Sports Directorate, hosted Doğan Şentürk, FOX News Editor-in-Chief and Vice President of the Journalists' Association of Turkey, as a guest on the "Quarantine Desk Talks" program. In the broadcast moderated by Alperen Kahraman, Şentürk made evaluations regarding the media sector.
“In addition to censorship by editors or the government, a fear has started within journalists themselves.”
Şentürk stated that the phenomenon of self-censorship is highly developed in Turkey, saying, “In addition to censorship by editors or the government, a fear has started within journalists themselves. What if I do this? Will something happen to me? We can give concrete examples of this. As you know, we cannot see many newsworthy things, or what one side sees, the other does not. Therefore, if you establish a system of asking and questioning without hiding anything in such an environment, the public trusts you. I believe this is one of the biggest factors for success. The second is the team spirit of the people you work with, that is, all your teammates in the newsroom. We are truly a very good team. My colleagues are people who practice this profession with journalistic integrity. In that respect, I am very lucky to be managing FOX Haber, and we have been on this journey with a good team for a long time.”
“Young people's television viewing habits are gradually declining”
Şentürk stated that the perception of young people's television viewing habits gradually declining, saying, “In Turkey, it has dropped to 3-4 hours, and they mostly watch from digital platforms. If you thoroughly analyze this digital issue in journalism, you can attract young people there too. They are capable of reaching accurate information when lies are told, and they know how to find correct information. Therefore, it is not as easy for authoritarian regimes, ruling and opposition parties to sway them compared to other generations. Their mothers and fathers might vote for a different party, but there is no rule that they will also vote for that party. It is important to define them well, analyze them thoroughly, and respond to their wishes.”
Şentürk also gave advice to journalism students.
Şentürk, who also gave advice to students, said, “Firstly, you will be conscientious journalists; secondly, you will believe in journalistic integrity; and thirdly, you will not be concerned with ratings. Your goal should be to put your head on the pillow with a clear conscience and not allow fear to enslave you.”