High-level departure at Sözcü TV: 14 more names to say goodbye!

Sözcü TV General Manager Özgür Çakmakçı's relationship with the channel has ended. Çakmakçı's departure has been confirmed by information verified from within the institution.

14 MORE NAMES EXPECTED TO DEPART

According to an exclusive report by MedyaRadar, it was stated that the departure would not be limited to Özgür Çakmakçı alone. Information has been obtained that approximately 14 more people, including those in managerial positions and on-screen personalities, will leave Sözcü TV.

ÇAKMAKÇI ANNOUNCED HIS DEPARTURE VIA MESSAGE

It was learned that Özgür Çakmakçı conveyed his farewell through a message sent to his colleagues. In his message, Çakmakçı included the following statements:

“My very dear Sözcü TV Family, friends whom I feel are much closer than just colleagues;

We have reached the end of the road we have walked together for nearly 3 years. Beginnings and endings are very natural in professional life, and today we are experiencing one of them.

We witnessed the infancy, youth, and maturity of Sözcü TV together, and we achieved a very important broadcasting success. Thanks to you, in this short time, we became one of the most trusted television brands in the country. We reached places in the ratings that no other television station has achieved in such a short time, and we are at the top among all news channels. Sözcü TV also became the most-watched and highest-earning news channel on digital platforms. Despite all the political pressure, unfair competition, blackouts, and economic difficulties, we always grew. We raised the brand value of the television together. We received dozens of fines, but no one could refute the news we reported; we did not give up.

You did not refrain from courageously saying what you knew to be true. In a period when independent journalism and broadcasting have never been more difficult, you all shone with the work you did and became a hope for the country. Thank you.

If it weren't for you, neither this brand nor these successes would exist. It was an honor to work with you. I am glad you are here.

As of today, I am leaving my position as General Manager of Sözcü TV. If there is anyone whose heart I have unintentionally broken, please forgive me. The streets are ours, not the plazas; we will surely meet and talk again.

We have reached the end of this road, but the journey will of course continue on other paths. Stay well...”

ÖZGÜR ÇAKMAKÇI'S CAREER

An experienced journalist who served in the news centers of TRT, Kanal D, and Show TV, Özgür Çakmakçı served as News Director at the Fox News Center between 2010 and 2022. During this period, he also managed the "Çalar Saat" program with Fatih Portakal.

Joining Sözcü TV as News Coordinator in March 2023, Çakmakçı was appointed as General Manager following the departure of Alişer Delek and held this position until December 2025. It is stated that Çakmakçı's new destination has not yet been clarified.

News Source: 12punto