An event titled ‘Journalism's 100-Year Journey in Turkey: Ups and Downs’ was organized by Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, Department of New Media and Communication. Journalist Dr. Lecturer Recep Yaşar and Dr. Lecturer Engin Başçı participated as speakers in the event.
The event, where journalism's 100-year journey was discussed, took place in the Güney Campus Fuat Sezgin conference hall. Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yıldız Derya Birincioğlu Vural, Head of the New Media and Communication Department, along with faculty academics and students, participated in the event.
Dr. Lecturer Recep Yaşar: “The journalist’s primary function is to accurately inform the public”
Dr. Lecturer Recep Yaşar, speaking about the characteristics of the press in the early years of the Republic, said: “In the early years of the Republic, the press was used as a medium to convey the ideals of a newly established state to the public. The press was entirely under the control of the founding administration. In the early years of the Republic, the press was used as a tool to shape society. New formations overseeing the press emerged. As a journalist for over 30 years, I can say that a journalist establishes journalism, and journalism is the art of asking questions. If there are problems in social peace, the economy, if inflation is very high, if there are disruptions in social balances in a country, this inevitably reflects in the media. The journalist’s duty is to highlight these problems. Helping the government see and solve these problems is our fundamental duty. A journalist has two primary functions: first, to accurately inform the public, and second, public oversight. Public oversight by the press is indispensable for democracy.”
Dr. Lecturer Engin Başçı: “The impartiality of journalism is objectivity”
Dr. Lecturer Engin Başçı, emphasizing the importance of objectivity in journalism, stated: “Objectivity is crucial in journalism. A journalist may not be impartial, but must be objective when performing their duties. They must maintain an equal distance from all segments of society. The impartiality of journalism is objectivity. There is such a distinction between impartiality and objectivity. The journalist must prioritize objectivity.”
The event concluded after participants' questions were answered and a group photo was taken.
