I congratulate the news workers who fulfill their profession with a democratic, moral and social responsibility awareness on January 10, Working Journalists' Day. Media, which is an integral element of democracy, has a vital function in the formation of a healthy public opinion. Media members also perform a critical function in terms of public access to correct information. While meeting the public's need to receive news, journalists who protect democratic and legal values and respect personal rights, with the understanding of social responsibility as well as professional principles, act as “representatives of the truth”. The sensitivity of all journalists working in local, national and international media while performing their profession increases the prestige of journalism and the trust in the media, as well as contributing to the healthy functioning and strengthening of democracy. This sensitivity, combined with professional competence and success, also sets a valuable example for young journalists. The presence of our press organizations and journalists, who have made an impact on the international media with their success and competence, are proud of our country and we are proud.
Turkey's progress in every field has come in recent years, with the liberal media diversity is manifested in the formation of an environment. In our country, the freedom of the press and freedom of expression have been expanded and secured incomparably more than 20 years ago.
Notwithstanding this fact, unfortunately, these concepts are abused inside and outside the anti-Turkey circles distorted assessment, to create the perception is attempting to use against baseless comment. The events that took place in our time and in our region proved how precious truth is, as well as how dangerous foreign items can be to our country and society. The use of the concepts of freedom of the press and freedom of expression as a shield for denouncing purposes such as making propaganda of terrorist organizations, discrimination among our citizens, spreading seeds of discord and hate, or glorifying tutelage and coup periods should not be allowed by journalists, who are first of all “representatives of truth”. On the other hand, developing technology brings new possibilities for internet journalism and social media reporting as well as written and visual media. The presence of journalists who are able to read the developments in our country, our region and the world accurately, take advantage of technological opportunities, spread real information much faster, and struggle with fake news decisively, becomes much more important and valuable today, where news for disinformation purposes can also be circulated rapidly through new media channels. As the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, we will always continue to support our valuable media members who contribute to the development and progress of our country and strengthen the climate of unity and solidarity while performing their duties without compromising professional principles. With these feelings and thoughts, I congratulate the journalists who have served selflessly all over our country and the world on January 10, Working Journalists' Day, and wish Allah's mercy to the journalists who passed away in their duty.
