The International Press Institute (IPI) will announce the results of its study on the future of quality journalism in Turkey at the Journalists’ Union of Turkey’s (TGS) Press Academy in Istanbul on July 16 at 11 a.m.
The study, entitled “‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’: How to Prepare Turkey’s Journalists for a Freer Era”, is based on more than 100 interviews with journalism students, local journalists, publishers and academics conducted by IPI Turkish National Committee Vice Chair Emre Kızılkaya from February to April 2019.
After determining the problems faced by reporters and media outlets across Turkey, the study, which aims to strengthen quality journalism in Turkey as part of IPI’s long-term work in the country, also hosted workshops on possible solutions inspired by design thinking methodology.
The 20-page report proposes a number of innovative solutions, including setting up an open curriculum for journalism education in Turkish, Kurdish and Arabic; opening community-driven “Creative Cafes” and “Journalism Experience Centers”; mapping trusted news organizations and reporters; providing incubator and accelerator initiatives; and enabling sponsored international internship programmes for students. The recommendations are geared toward a range of stakeholders, including donors.
IPI is a global network of editors, journalists and media executives dedicated to furthering and safeguarding press freedom, promoting the free flow of news and information, and improving the practices of journalism. Founded in 1950 at Columbia University, IPI today has members in nearly 100 countries.
With a history of engagement going back more than 60 years, it is the most deeply rooted international journalism organization in Turkey. Prominent Turkish journalists that have served on its Executive Board include Abdi Ipekci and Ahmet Emin Yalman and, currently, Kadri Gürsel.
