Ethical journalism website is now online

Click to read the article in Turkish

Launched by the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN) and Journalists' Union of Turkey (TGS) to support independent and ethical journalism and combat self-censorship, the Coalition for Ethical Journalism Turkey (CEJT) has launched its "Ethical Journalism" website in Turkish and English.

The ethical journalism website has also started publishing the articles of experienced journalists. The first articles published on the website in Turkish belong to Çiğdem Toker, who writes on reporting news about corruption, Ercüment Akdeniz, who focuses on reporting news about refugees, and Mehveş Evin, who writes about environmental journalism. The website is also planning to be active on social media platforms.

According to the website, the launch of the CEJT in İstanbul on September 5 marked an unprecedented action of co-operation among supporters of independent journalism and followed initial consultations among groups from Turkey in meetings held in İstanbul and Ankara in April 2018.

After these meetings in two major cities of Turkey, it has been agreed that in the initial period the leadership of the CEJT will be shared by journalists Mustafa Kuleli, Ceren Sozeri and Can Ertuna.

The partners of the Coalition for Ethical Journalism Turkey (CEJT) have agreed to follow the below practical follow-up steps in their works:

• To prepare a glossary on hate speech or discrimination in Turkey produced by journalists. This can be useful, but given the difficult and politicised information climate, it will be necessary to be careful and sensitive in the proposed formulations.
• To focus attention on young journalists or students and to reinforce the core values of the core values of journalism — accuracy, independence, impartiality, humanity, and transparency — and to embed them in all levels of CEJT work. These are not just essential for story-telling they are the benchmarks for professionalism and for the future of journalism in Turkey.
• To improve technical news-gathering methods, technical skills and capacity in the use of technology. The practical training in this area is crucial for young journalists.
• To create fit-for-purpose training modules that are tailored to local needs, meet the needs of our target group and are accessible to all.

(HA/SD)