Yes, I am not as imaginative as others -- still, I find it absurd that a columnist has to produce a new column every day. When do they have the time to research, look into an issue in depth or engage with others to enrich their work? I do not know. I am convinced the pressure to write so frequently is producing a lot of gossip columns and not very well-investigated reporting. It is no surprise that we constantly discuss the media in this country.
Of course, another reason why the media is under the limelight is the fact that we do not have a normal, credible opposition in this country. The two main opposition parties are far from projecting any sort of challenge to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). In the absence of a normal opposition, the role of the media in a democratic order assumes even more significance. The media serves as an important center of gravity, voicing opposition and criticism. This is healthy if it is done professionally and without any ingrained biases. For decades the Turkish media has had a tenuous relationship with power. In the 1950s the media's relationship with the Democrat Party, the chaotic 1970s and of course Prime Minister Özal's famous price increases for newspapers were all quite volatile times; we have seen it all. These days the issue of freedom of expression is being discussed intensely both inside and outside of Turkey. The number of journalists in detention in Turkey has become a primary issue of debate. This is likely to continue for a long period of time, as these cases do. It is in the interest of everyone that these cases are rapidly concluded.
There are a number of reasons why the Turkish media has become a primary subject of debate in this country. First of all, the quality of reporting in Turkey is poor. I worked as a foreign policy correspondent myself in the 1990s. Most reporters do not have adequate expertise in their own fields. It is a very tough and competitive environment and one reason why I left the media was my inability to cope with the pressure.
However, the fundamental issue in the media is a structural one. Most media owners also own other businesses. This creates a conflict of interest with the government. If a media group owns a gas station network and is being fined by the Ministry of Finance for tax evasion, the media group instantly resorts to criticizing the government in order to get more favorable treatment by the authorities. The 1990s witnessed instances where prime ministers were tidying up their jackets in front of media bosses. Media bosses were forming coalitions and breaking governments, and they greatly influenced the centers of political decision-making. It was obviously a very messy affair. We need a new media law that prevents media owners from owning other businesses. They must either be active in other sectors or operate in the media only. The alternative only produces conflicts of interest and is very easily manipulated by business interests. This is no small issue. It is a fundamental challenge that needs to be addressed if we are to become a normal democracy.
That said, the Turkish media still acts as an important power that controls the government's activities, and thus serves as a crucial center of gravity, inspecting and monitoring governments. There are still very interesting, informative and brave journalists who participate in and shape Turkey's public debates.
