Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici: Is Yeni Akit unprincipled, or is İmamoğlu?

Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici drew attention to the contradictory stance of the Yeni Akit newspaper, recalling the headline it used during Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's visit to Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Türk—who was removed from office and replaced by a trustee—which read: "İmamoğlu's visit to Ahmet Türk: Who is unprincipled, the one who goes or the one who hosts?"

In his article, Bildirici stated that the media's negative approach toward Ahmet Türk changed completely following the talks that began after MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call to Abdullah Öcalan.

"While Ahmet Türk's presence at the meeting Bahçeli held with the Democratic Society Congress (DTK) delegation was met with applause by Yeni Akit, the same Türk being visited by İmamoğlu was characterized as unprincipled," said Bildirici, referring to the newspaper's January 3 headline, "Historic meeting in Parliament."

Bildirici used the following expressions:

"The Ahmet Türk who met with Bahçeli and the Ahmet Türk whom İmamoğlu visited are the same person. However, according to Yeni Akit, the Türk who meets with İmamoğlu is unprincipled, while the Türk who meets with Bahçeli is part of a historic process. This clear contradiction is contrary to the principles of journalistic impartiality and consistency."

Faruk Bildirici emphasized that the media should approach events and individuals impartially, stating, "In journalism, one focuses on events and data, not individuals. Double standards are incompatible with media ethics. Principled journalism requires being consistent and in favor of peace."

You can read the full article by Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici at the link below:

https://www.farukbildirici.com/2025/01/11/yeni-akit-mi-ilkesiz-imamoglu-mu/

News Source: 12punto