Hardworking journalists...

"If it weren't for these schools, how well I could manage the Ministry of National Education"—who said this, how it wassaid, andhowit has beenrepeatedsince the dayit wasuttered, we have alwaysis known. Espias the said phrase, who said it? Halim Pasha's (whois written to be the most obscure minister of that period)words are sometimes usedasis. During the reign of Abdulhamid II, in the early20th century,it wassaidthat theseremarks werecriticized as a form ofis also claimed to have been said by theteacher.The teachers, schools, and eventhe students of that dayare in a miserable state. They areengaging in events and actionsat the level of rebellion.they are. For that reason, itis also mentionedin some sourcesregarding the criticismof administrators.Today, in many fields, the practicesof ministries andadministratorsagainst it canbe said.

It is known that audits are used only as a tool of pressurefor opposition administrators, municipalities, and variousinstitutions.While municipalities run by opposition parties undergo audits hundreds of times, audits are very rarely conducted in municipalities belonging to the ruling party.This discrimination is todaybeing carried out.It is indisputable that it has become more frequently applied in the current Presidential system.

Hardworking journalists, whose sole business is reporting, are taken into custody in a rush due to an article, a news report, or a tweet they posted on social media, if not every day, then a few times a week. are being taken into custody and even arrested. Wesee. How manyjournalists are in prison? We are tired of watching.

Like retirees andother workers, journalists It is a fact thathardworking ones are also ineconomic difficulties.Economicdistressandtheproblemstheir, their livelihood concerns areshould they think? or should theydeal with the consequences of the articles and news they publish?.

Journalism andbroadcasting are among the most difficult andrisky professionsin Turkey.employees come next. In addition to the pressure from stateadministrators, the attitudes of localgovernmentsalso make their living conditions even more difficult.Despite such difficult conditions, it is not as if there are no

beautiful, refreshing events that warm our hearts.For instance, Erdal Orhan, who works as a journalist in Fethiye,has been doing commendable work. on the 3rd anniversary of his death,a memorial ceremony was organized by the Fethiye Journalists Association.At the Fethiye Tourism and Hotel Management School meetinghall, in front of a large audience, led by theFethiye District Governor, some of the most successful journalists of the year 2025were presented with their "January 10" awards. Achievement plaques werepresented for "Working Journalists Day." While achievement plaques in various fields of the press were being presented amidst applause, I was also called to the podium to present athey shouted. I happily presented the plaque to Erdoğan Cankuş, whom I have known for years in Fethiye and whom we are accustomed to seeing at every event and protest, even at funerals.I happily presented the plaque to Erdoğan Cankuş, whom I have known for years in Fethiye and whom we are accustomed to seeing at every event and protest, even at funerals.I happily presented the plaque to Erdoğan Cankuş, whom I have known for years in Fethiye and whom we are accustomed to seeing at every event and protest, even at funerals.I sincerely congratulate my press worker friend and fellow townsman, who works day and night for Fethiye.I sincerely congratulate my press worker friend and fellow townsman, who works day and night for Fethiye.I sincerely congratulate my press worker friend and fellow townsman, who works day and night for Fethiye.I sincerely congratulate my press worker friend and fellow townsman, who works day and night for Fethiye.I sincerely congratulate my press worker friend and fellow townsman, who works day and night for Fethiye.them. Furthermore, Icongratulate the associationmanagers for supporting thevalues in Fethiye.

In the meantime, I would like to touch upon some of the problemsof today's local press here.

In the event held in Izmirand attended by former CHPEskisehir Deputy Utku Çakırözer and many other deat the panel attended by valuable local journalists mounting problems werelaid out before our eyes anddiscussed.

Çakıröz said, "Journalism at the local level is the people of that regionis a mirror of the city's problems; it is the city's issue, but at the same time, it is a matter of democracy and being informed about developments. If there is no local press, the public's interests, the public good, will not be protected by anyone. Crimes committed against the city, nature, and laborswho will expose them if there is no press? Thesectarian pressure on our children in schools, those who want to seize olivegroves, the fireWho will expose those who sleep comfortably in their beds despite their negligence in disasters and earthquakes? That is why if the press in Anatolia is silenced, it means that democracy at the local level has collapsed. The press in Anatolia is a greatare facing difficulties. Especially at the local level, the pressureis not just through direct censorshipbut alsoby cutting off official notices and directing advertising,they are trying to silence them by economicallystrangling them," he said.

Local journalists, primarily due to unemployment, concerning are in economic distress. Employment is one of the most prominent issues.

The obstruction of the righttoadvertise. 103 of the Anatolian newspapershas waived its right to advertising.This, in itself, is one of the primary blows dealt to the local press,which is crucial for the formation of local public opinion. Just as with prominent national journalists like Merdan Yanardağ and Enver Aysever, investigations, prosecutions, and even arrests have exhausted the local press workers.

Health careworkers face harassment, beating, and acts of violence and attacks are also beinginflicted upon mediaworkers..

As I mentioned at the beginning of my article, it is presented to administrators and the government who think to themselves, "How well this country would be governed if it weren't for the press and press workers."Of course, there is a solution.

The CHP's newly adopted "party program"to be put into practicewith the resolution of, national and local press's problems will be solved. Not much left. Our country will overcome these dark days, in a fully independent and democratic Turkey, "everything will be it will be very beautiful".

Of course, "health first"and you are responsible for that too.

Prof. Dr. Nurettin DEMİR