'Relations of interest seriously harm freedom of expression'

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Former academician at the Ankara University Communication Faculty, Prof. Dr. Eser Köker, described the uncovering of a deal between the Republican People's Party (CHP) and Halk TV as worrying. 

Köker said that the explicit announcement of such a relationship of economic interest between a political party and a media outlet constituted a serious obstruction to freedom of the press and freedom of expression. 

We live in times when it is becoming more and more ordinary that those who are in power resort to censorship, Köker believes. 

She adds, however, that it is not any good that alliances, made in secret in the past, are now being revealed openly. This, she believes is a demonstration of excessive "courage," maybe "fearlessness," or being impolite to the public. 

She has further criticism towards Halk TV.

"A media outlet that implemented a project to misguide the opposition throughout the election campaign has not apologized to the public, felt free to broadcast in a cacophonical way on the election evening,  and is now trying to show this unbelievable attitude as if it is something ordinary," Köker said. 

She also mentioned the allegations about Tuncay Özkan, voiced following the May 14 elections and said, "I do not want to talk about a TV channel that did not explain the responsibility of Tuncay Özkan in the party, who has expertise in purchasing and selling media outlets, especially on the "Press Freedom Day." I do not find them worth discussing," Köker said. 

Tuncan Özkan was accused by some after the elections of being the hidden owner of Halk TV. 

(HA/PE)