Journalists, Embrace Your Jobs!

The statement included a number of proposals aimed at opening the way for a democratic and independent media. It also said that the media shouldn't be used by some with the aim of achieving other goals.

The statement called on authorities to protect the Turkish media from the 10 major capital groups, which control the communications tools in the world, and which want to have authority over the Turkish media sector.

During his speech at the conference, Aidan White, the Secretary-General of the Federation of International Journalists (FIJ), proposed that the Turkish media contributes to dialogue between the Western and Arab media. His proposal was included in the final statement.

The statement said, "the Turkish media would spend efforts to provide a discussion platform and other opportunities for dialogue between the Arab and European media, with the aim of contributing to international peace."

Four sessions were held during the conference organized under the title, "Making Democratic, Independent and Respectful Media a Reality." The participants demanded that the allocation of radio and television frequencies are done without delay, that the local media is strengthened, and that local officials are disheartened from pressuring journalists or taking arbitrary actions.

"Restrictive Laws and Heavy Penalties Should be Lifted"

The statement also drew attention to the fact that there are discrepancies and contradictions between the country's legal system and the laws on communication. It called on authorities to overcome those contradictions and to annul articles in the Constitution, Media Law, Turkish Penal Code, and other laws, which limit people's right to access information and press freedom.

The participants also called on authorities to lift the "heavy fines, which threaten press freedom and the existence of media organizations." "The ownership structure of the media limits efforts to correctly inform the public," they added. The declaration also called on the Radio and Television Higher Board (RTUK) to be restructured to become more democratic.

"Media owners and employees should be informed about European Union rules," said the statement.

"212 should be fully implemented, restrictions on unions should be lifted"

The following are other proposals listed in the conference's final statement:

* Under law no: 212, journalists should be employed as thought laborers. The restrictions on forming unions should be lifted. The rights guaranteed by this law should fully be put into use.

* The business of reporting should be revived to again be a respectful job as it was before. The working conditions of reporters should be improved and their rights should be protected.

* The infrastructure of the country's Communications Faculties should be improved and they should be enabled to provide higher quality education.

* Attention should be paid to the correct usage of Turkish in media. Media workers should refrain from using foreign words as much as possible.

"Legal Obstacles in Front of the Media," "Media-Politics Relationship and the Media's Ownership Structure," "Problems of Media Employees," and "Education and Employment Policies in the Media Sector," were the main issues addressed during the conference held on January 10-12 at the Galatasaray University. (EO/BB/EA/YE)