AKP responds to 'screen permission' claims

Journalist İsmail Saymaz's report, which alleged that a strategic shift had been made to give AKP deputies more airtime on television screens under the instruction of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, continues to remain on the agenda.

In his column on Halk TV, Saymaz had claimed that the AK Party was changing its media strategy and that, from now on, AK Party deputies and officials, rather than pro-government journalists, would appear on screen.

STATEMENT FROM THE AKP

A response to these claims came from AKP Deputy Chairman and Head of Promotion and Media, Faruk Acar. Acar stated that it is natural to expect party members to be more active and present in the media. In his statement, Acar said, "All of our board members, organization members, and deputies are already actively present in the media and on the ground at all times with their assessments regarding national issues. It is natural to meet expectations for them to be more active according to the developing agenda."

In a post on social media, Acar emphasized that Turkey has overcome many national and international crises over the last quarter-century and has achieved very serious reforms. Stating that these successes took place under the leadership of President Erdoğan, Acar said that the AK Party has always displayed a national stance in its media and communication policies as well. Acar stated that the AK Party's media policy is shaped in this direction, adding, "Because neutrality on national issues can never be a stance."

"THE AGENDA BROUGHT FORWARD DOES NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH"

In the continuation of his statement, Acar asserted that the "screen permission" debates attributed to their party do not reflect the truth and that the public is being misled on this matter, stating, "We present to the public's information that the agendas brought forward and attributed to our party, other than this, do not reflect the truth."