Faruk Bildirici reacts to Yeni Akit: Pro-government media is financed by AKP municipalities and public banks

The newspaper Yeni Akit targeted journalists without presenting any evidence in its report titled "The nightingales of Saraçhane sing for money."

As reactions to Yeni Akit's report grow, the targeted journalists have announced that they will file lawsuits against the newspaper.

Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici made a statement on the matter in an article he penned. 

In the relevant part of his article, Bildirici said:

"Yeni Akit and the entire pro-government media, which accuse our journalist colleagues of receiving money from the CHP—without any evidence or basis—are financed by AKP municipalities and public banks. Example 1: The AKP-run Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality published advertorials in 10 pro-government newspapers, including Akit, on May 19. Example 2: Halkbank placed advertisements in 14 pro-government newspapers for its anniversary, and Ziraat Bank placed ads in 12 pro-government newspapers under the pretext of congratulating Trabzonspor. Advertisements from Telekom, Turkcell, and similar companies in the pro-government media are also full-page and appear almost every day... Our journalist colleagues, who are struggling to continue independent and critical journalism under difficult conditions, have given Yeni Akit the response it deserves. I would also like to remind everyone of this financing system created by the government. This is another side of the truth..."

Yeni Akit and the entire pro-government media, which accuse our journalist colleagues of receiving money from the CHP—without any evidence or basis—are financed by AKP municipalities and public banks.
Example 1: The AKP-run Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality published advertorials in 10 pro-government newspapers, including Akit, on May 19... https://t.co/97MxlSdGXd pic.twitter.com/HYkx0G19Vb

— Faruk Bildirici (@farukbildirici) May 28, 2026

News Source: 12punto