ELIF AKGUL is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey.

Experts: Turkey's planned "agent of influence" bill threatens independent journalism and democracy

22 May 2023  |  Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) | Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği  |  English  |  Disinformation Law

Experts and opposition leaders in Turkey express grave concerns over the proposed 'Influence Agency' provision in the new judicial package, fearing it could undermine independent journalism and democracy. The bill, criticized for its vague definitions, is seen as an extension of the disinformation law, potentially targeting journalists and civil society organizations. Legal experts warn of arbitrary applications, while press freedom organizations highlight the threat to media receiving foreign funding. The provision, likened to laws in repressive regimes, is condemned for potentially criminalizing government criticism and prioritizing state interests over public welfare.

Tags:

TRT Turkish Grand National Assembly CHP ANKA Yeni Şafak Reporters Without Borders DİSK Press Union Journalists' Union of Turkey DEVA Party

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Mohammed Harun Arsalai is an independent journalist - his work has been featured in the Nation, Al Jazeera,
 LA Times, TRT World, Muftah Magazine, The New Arab, OZY, AJ + among many others

Mohammed is cofounder of the independent media project, Documenting Afghanistan. Currently on the based ...

Human rights lawyers bring case against EU at ICC over migrant deaths

20 Dec 2023  |  TRT World  |  English  |  Libyan Migrant Camps

The article discusses the submission of documents to the International Criminal Court, accusing the European Union of crimes against humanity in relation to the deaths of African migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya. Lawyer Juan Bronco, who is spearheading the accountability efforts, claims the EU's policies have led to thousands of deaths by intentionally preventing migrants from leaving Libya, resulting in various human rights abuses. The article also covers the criminalization of NGO search and rescue operations by the EU, the accusations of collusion between NGOs and smugglers by Frontex, and the political implications of these policies. It highlights the role of the Libyan coastguard in intercepting migrant boats and the EU's strategy of externalizing border control to African nations.

Tags:

TRT World International Criminal Court International Organization for Migration Frontex Human Rights Watch Sea-Watch Amnesty International

Currently based in Istanbul, I am an experienced writer, interviewer and video creator in French, Turkish and English on a wide range of subjects from international conflicts and domestic politics to economy, music and cultural policies. My stories stand out thanks to my extensive network of ...

Eurovision, a Reflection of International Tensions

08 May 2023  |  Mediapart  |  French  |  Cultural

Despite Eurovision's rule against political gestures or messages, politics often reflects on its stage, with songs representing national sentiments and geopolitical climates. Countries like Turkey and Belarus have abstained from participation for political reasons, with Turkey's withdrawal in 2013 seen as a shift away from its Western identity and towards Islamic values under the AKP government. Eurovision voting patterns also reveal political alliances and cultural affinities among participating countries.

Tags:

TRT Eurovision Union européenne de radio-télévision

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I am a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. Special reports, fact-based analyses and interviews are my strong suits. I can deliver on time, and I’m an upapologetic perfectionist. Journalism is the job I love and live to do.

Erdoğan: Israel, by interrupting supplies, tries to prevent the truth in Gaza from being heard

18 Mar 2024  |  www.aa.com.tr  |  Albanian  |  Conflict

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of committing a war crime by interrupting the supply of electricity, water, fuel, and food to Gaza, and attempting to prevent the persecution there from being communicated to the outside world. He highlighted the deaths of journalists in Israeli attacks and criticized the United Nations Security Council for being dysfunctional. Erdoğan praised the efforts of journalists defending the truth and emphasized the importance of strategic communication in fighting disinformation, noting that Turkey's Communication Presidency, TRT, and Anadolu Agency have exposed over 100 lies spread by Israel.

Tags:

TRT United Nations Security Council Anadolu Agency

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Syeda Sana Batool is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Hugh Bohane is an Australian multimedia journalist and producer. Hugh has reported in Asia and elsewhere for over ten years in print, radio and television.

Hugh has covered politics, conflicts, natural disasters, travel, and the arts.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism ...

Dark Days in Ukraine: A Cameraman’s War Journal — Part One

01 May 2022  |  medium.com  |  English  |  Personal Experience

A boots-on-the-ground report from Kyiv during the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, detailing the author's experiences and observations. The narrative covers the constant threat of missile strikes, the psychological toll on journalists, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. It highlights the author's interactions with locals, other journalists, and international workers, as well as the challenges faced, including cyberattacks and a robbery. The report also touches on the broader geopolitical context, including Russian disinformation campaigns and the international response to the conflict.

Tags:

TRT World WHO ABC TV BBC ITV Radio France World Central Kitchen

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Durrie Bouscaren is a freelance radio and digital journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Previously, she covered breaking news and health care for National Public Radio affiliates in the United States. In 2018, she reported from Papua New Guinea as NPR's John Alexander Fellow. 

She is ...

10 embassies call for Turkey to release imprisoned civil society leader Osman Kavala

28 Oct 2021  |  www.kwit.org  |  English  |  Imprisonment

Osman Kavala, a Turkish civil society leader imprisoned for four years, has become the focal point of a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and ten NATO allies, including the U.S., who have called for his release. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan initially threatened to expel the ambassadors of these countries but later retracted his statement. Kavala, accused of espionage and involvement in protests and a coup attempt, denies the charges. Despite a European Court of Human Rights order for his release, Turkish authorities have not complied. Kavala's next hearing is set for November 26, which he plans to boycott, citing the impossibility of a fair trial.

Tags:

TRT NATO Open Society Foundation European Court of Human Rights Council of Europe CIA

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Journalist & researcher in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

-Operated across the globe from LATAM, MENA & Europe.

-Covers politics, human rights, economics, environment, culture, & sport

-Live-reporting, news-reports, multimedia work, interviews, analysis, voiceover and independent research.

-...

TRT Español goes online, connecting Türkiye with the Spanish-speaking world

26 Apr 2024  |  Muslims in Italy struggle to bury victims of the pandemic  |  English  |  International Relations

TRT World has launched TRT Español, a new digital platform aimed at connecting Türkiye with the Spanish-speaking world. The launch event in Istanbul was attended by dignitaries and media representatives from Latin America and Spain. TRT Español is positioned as an independent and impartial news source, offering a different perspective on global news and fostering cultural, political, and economic ties between Türkiye and Latin America. The platform is expected to enhance mutual understanding and cultural exchange, with a focus on shared values and interests.

Tags:

TRT World TRT Español Yunus Emre Cultural Centre

Balanced

Factuality Scale

I’m a journalist based in Beirut covering Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Available for lives, both video and audio. I specialise in covering humanitarian and refugee issues.

Three journalists killed by Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon

25 Oct 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three journalists from Hezbollah-affiliated TV stations Al Mayadeen and Al-Manar, sparking condemnation from Lebanon's minister of information, Ziad Makary, who labeled the attack a war crime. The strike targeted a group of journalists covering the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, raising concerns about the safety of media personnel in the region. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence against journalists, with at least 125 killed in the ongoing conflict. The attack has been criticized for potentially suppressing media coverage of the war, as journalists had assumed the area was safe from Israeli strikes.

Tags:

TRT Hezbollah Al Mayadeen Al-Manar Sky News Arabia Al Jazeera Committee to Protect Journalists

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Mehmet Demirci is a journalist based in Raleigh, United States of America.
****

Changing Ramadan Events

13 Apr 2023  |  www.yeniasir.com.tr  |  Turkish  |  Religious Practices

Ramadan, a significant cultural and religious period, has seen changes over the years. Previously, media outlets and public spaces heavily reflected the sacred atmosphere of Ramadan. However, there has been a decline in dedicated Ramadan pages in newspapers and the excitement around iftar broadcasts. The pandemic, recent earthquake, and economic challenges have also impacted communal iftar gatherings. Despite these changes, traditional practices like long queues for fresh bread and special tarawih prayers in Istanbul's mosques continue to be observed. The article highlights the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Ramadan in Turkey.

Tags:

TRT

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Nicole Graaf is a German print and radio journalist with a focus on foreign reporting and science reporting.
Being based out of Cologne/Germany she frequently travels to research feature stories across Asia, in Turkey and elsewhere on the globe. 
She focusses on narrative pieces, often with an ...

Learning from children to entertain them

31 Mar 2022  |  absatzwirtschaft  |  German  |  Social Media Marketing

Fauna Entertainment, a pioneering Turkish company in children's animation, has become a market leader by creating engaging content like the popular character Kukuli. Co-led by Ömer Fener and Emre Aksoy, the company emphasizes emotional connection and music in its marketing. Kukuli, initially a mascot for the retailer Civil, evolved into a successful series with significant social media presence and international reach. Fauna's innovative approach includes launching characters like Paper Poo during the pandemic and collaborating on new projects focused on sustainability. The company's success is attributed to its creative, child-centric approach and strong team dynamics.

Tags:

TRT Çocuk TRT Economic Ministry of Turkey

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Ergin Hava is a freelance journalist based in İstanbul,  Turkey. He received his BA at British Literature in Hacettepe University in Ankara in 2008. The same year he began working for English-language media. He recently ended his contract as business editor at a local media group. He has been ...

Earthquake death toll passes 40,000 in Turkey as aftershocks continue

18 Feb 2023  |  www.spokesman.com  |  English  |  Natural Disaster

The death toll in Turkey from the recent earthquake has risen to 40,642, with additional fatalities in Syria. A 5.3-magnitude aftershock hit southeastern Turkey on February 18, following over 5,700 aftershocks since the initial 7.8-magnitude quake on February 6. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with plans to conclude by February 19. Three individuals were rescued from rubble, but a 12-year-old child later died in the hospital. The earthquake affected an area of 40,000 square miles in Turkey, impacting 13.5 million people. Istanbul is taking measures to improve earthquake preparedness, including evacuating and reinforcing 93 school buildings. Turkey's enforcement of construction regulations has been criticized, and 120 people have been arrested in connection with building collapses.

Tags:

TRT AFAD Anadolu

Factual

Factuality Scale

Francisco Júnior is a journalist based in Maputo, Mozambique.

Judge lists the successes of labor reform

11 Nov 2023  |  www.migalhas.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Legal System

Judge Regina Duarte from the TRT da 2ª Região highlights the successes of the labor reform over the past five years, including improvements in lawyer vacations, cost limitations, disregard for legal personality, and penalties for gender pay differences. However, she notes that the law still needs enhancements, particularly in encouraging extrajudicial conflict resolution methods. The National Congress of Law Firms of Brazil, held at the Tivoli Mofarrej Hotel in São Paulo, was organized by CESA and SINSA.

Tags:

TRT da 2ª Região CESA SINSA

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Murat Karabulut is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

In the developing and growing world, the interaction between people will increase;  I believe that the internet and social media will be even more effective.  In this context, I think that the role of the technical team in the media sector ...

Journalists Accused of Making 'Nationalist' Posts to be Tried Without Detention

27 Oct 2023  |  www.voaturkce.com  |  Turkish  |  Nationalism

Journalists accused of making nationalist posts about Syrian refugees were released after months of detention and will be tried without detention. The Ankara 7th Criminal Court of First Instance ruled that the journalists, including Serkan Kafkas and Süha Çardaklı, will face charges of inciting hatred, disinformation, and spreading misleading information. The decision was met with nationalist slogans in the courtroom. The case has drawn criticism from various political figures and organizations, who argue that the prosecution is an attack on freedom of speech and nationalism. The trial will continue on May 20, with further defenses to be presented.

Tags:

TRT Ankara 7th Criminal Court of First Instance AK Party Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Demirören News Agency Hürriyet IYI Party Victory Party Ankara Metropolitan Municipality

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Right

Political View

Belal Khaled is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey.

Children of Gaza: the things they do

10 Apr 2019  |  Muslims in Italy struggle to bury victims of the pandemic  |  English  |  Gaza

Palestinian children in Gaza, despite growing up in a prolonged humanitarian crisis and under an Israeli siege, display remarkable confidence and share inspiring stories. Many lack access to basic necessities like clean water and electricity and are restricted in their freedom to travel. TRT Arabi's senior videographer Belal Khaled documented these moments while covering the Great March of Return.

Tags:

TRT Arabi International Community

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Esra Öz is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

I've been reporting science, health and technology for 13 years. I'm one of the first health bloggers in Turkey. I graduated from Eskişehir Osmangazi University Biology Department and Anadolu University Radio and TV Programming Department. I did ...

Culture and Arts Journalism Moves to YouTube: Pros and Cons

01 Oct 2023  |  Journo  |  Turkish  |  YouTube

Culture and arts journalism is transitioning from traditional media to digital platforms like YouTube, bringing both advantages and challenges. Despite the rise of social media influencers, traditional journalists still hold significant influence. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to digital media, affecting media consumption habits and increasing engagement on global platforms. In Turkey, traditional newspapers are losing readership, while YouTube channels focusing on culture and arts are gaining popularity. However, accessing digital culture and arts journalists in Turkey remains challenging, and the range of content is narrower compared to global standards. The digital shift has democratized content creation but also led to a proliferation of amateur content. Experts emphasize the need for quality content and professional journalism in the digital age.

Tags:

TRT We Are Social Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) Habertürk NTV Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Osama Rizvi is an international energy and economic analyst whose areas of interests include global economy, commodity and financial markets and climate change where he specifically focuses on Oil prices, commodity analysis, interest rates, food prices and global economy. Critically, Osama focuses ...

Can The Current Oil Price Rally Really Last?

01 Apr 2023  |  OilPrice.com  |  English  |  Oil Demand

Osama Rizvi is an Economic and Energy Analyst who writes about commodities, macroeconomy, geopolitics, and climate change. He has contributed to various media outlets and participates in panels discussing energy and the economy. The article covers a range of topics including the sustainability of the current oil price rally, the bearish case for oil markets, Pakistan's purchase of Russian oil, misinterpretations of OPEC+ production cuts, the impact of energy prices on Pakistan, demand destruction in oil markets, the Russian oil price cap, the EU's plan to ban Russian oil, the Iran nuclear deal, and the climate crisis. Rizvi also discusses the likelihood of oil prices hitting $100, the truth about decarbonization, the future dominance of fossil fuels, record lows in fracking indicators, and the factors controlling oil prices in 2021.

Tags:

TRT World The Diplomat Magazine Asharq with Bloomberg

Freelance journalist based in Sana'a, Yemen.

Yemen's last English-language newspaper shuts down

05 Apr 2023  |  TRT World  |  English  |  Yemeni Press

The Yemen Observer, an independent English-language newspaper in Sanaa, has ceased publication due to financial difficulties. Journalist Hesham Al Kibsi, who has been with the paper since 2010, detailed the gradual shutdown process that began with austerity measures in early 2017, including halving salaries, reducing publication frequency, and cutting the number of pages. Despite these efforts, the paper could not sustain itself without ad revenue. The Yemen Observer was known for its coverage of the 2011 protests and for continuing to operate under Houthi rebel control. The last issues were reportedly published in February and March, with the final paycheck being in February. Al Kibsi now works as a freelance journalist, while other former staff have become self-employed.

Tags:

TRT World

Tarik Toros is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.
Born in 1972 in Tarsus, Turkey. 
He works as a broadcaster, an editor and a columnist. He writes and talks on social and politic systems and human rights. 
He is married to Banu Toros, a publisher, and writer. They live in London. The ...

Turkey’s Political Chessboard: The Rising Significance of Demirtaş and İmamoğlu

29 Jan 2024  |  Politurco.com  |  English  |  Political Leaders

Turkey's political landscape is highlighted by the significant roles of Selahattin Demirtaş and Ekrem İmamoğlu. Demirtaş, despite being imprisoned, remains influential, with discussions around his wife Başak Demirtaş's potential candidacy in Istanbul. İmamoğlu, the current mayor of Istanbul, faces both advantages and challenges as he prepares for the upcoming elections. The article discusses the complexities of the political environment, including the support and opposition İmamoğlu faces, the importance of ballot security, and the broader implications for Turkey's future political scenario.

Tags:

TRT DEM Party CHP AKP MHP AA Victory Party

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor is a prominent Ghanaian figure and a passionate advocate for human rights, dedicated to empowering women, girls, children, and minority groups.



As the founder of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Wemakor leads a vibrant media advocacy and human rights ...

It’s time for a solution to cocoa farmers’ exploitation wahala – Snr. Researcher at Oxfam

08 Jun 2023  |  ghheadlines.com  |  English  |  Economic Inequality

Uwe Gneiting from Oxfam America's Private Sector Department, during a TRT World interview, emphasized the urgent need to address the exploitation of Ghanaian cocoa farmers by major businesses controlling the cocoa supply chain. He highlighted poverty as a core issue and called for living wages for farmers. The cocoa industry is vital to Ghana's economy, but farmers face severe exploitation, receiving meager payments for their produce. An Oxfam study revealed a significant drop in net income for cocoa farmers since 2020. Activists Elikem Kotoko and Joseph Kobla Wemakor from HRRG also expressed concerns about the farmers' plight, urging for media attention and government action to protect farmers' rights.

Tags:

TRT World Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Freelance fixer and translator - focuses on political and economic news stories, gathers information and keeps up with current affairs for specialized tasks. Highly interested in society, law and culture in Mediterranean and Middle East. I'm also a book translator.

After some time in magazines ...

Turkey May Back Finland’s Bid for NATO Membership, Reject Sweden

08 Oct 2023  |  news.bloomberglaw.com  |  English  |  Turkey-Finland-Sweden Relations

Turkey may ratify Finland's bid to join NATO while rejecting Sweden's due to Sweden's perceived leniency towards Kurdish militants and recent incidents that have angered Turkey. Erdogan's statements suggest a strategic move that could delay Sweden's NATO membership.

Tags:

TRT NATO

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Tamara Zieve is the correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian Territories for the German Press Agency, dpa, where she covers politics, defence, conflict, diplomacy and more. She has worked in the Israeli media for a decade, previously having worked as a reporter for The Jerusalem Post and as a ...

Dr. Oz’s blank slate in Pennsylvania

01 Dec 2021  |  jewishinsider.com  |  English  |  Campaigns

Dr. Mehmet Oz's Senate run in Pennsylvania has sparked interest and skepticism due to his lack of connection to the state and his vague political positions. Despite his name recognition and access to campaign funds, his residency in New Jersey and recent move to Pennsylvania raise questions. Oz's campaign focuses on COVID-19 and conservative issues, though his past statements on topics like abortion and systemic racism show inconsistencies. His Turkish heritage and dual citizenship add complexity, but local political analysts doubt these factors will significantly impact the election. Oz's campaign strategy appears calculated, avoiding firm stances on many issues.

Tags:

TRT Republican Party New York Presbyterian-Columbia Medical Center University of Pennsylvania Medical School Fox News Turkish Army

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Right

Political View