The claim by Reporters Without Borders and the International Press Institute that over 95% of Türkiye’s media now corresponds with the government’s official stance is more than a statistic. For journalists like me, it is a daily reality that forces us to confront the erosion of a profession we once took pride in.
As a Turkish journalist now working in the European Union, I find myself caught between grief and anger at what has happened to media freedom in my homeland.
Türkiye’s Global Press Freedom Ranking Hits New Low
In 2025, Reporters Without Borders placed Türkiye 159th out of 180 countries in its global press freedom index. This ranking was among the world’s most restrictive media environments and marked a historic low for a country that once boasted a vibrant and diverse press.
Legal and Economic Pressures Reshape Turkish Journalism
In recent years, the Turkish government has introduced new measures that have reshaped the media landscape. The so-called “disinformation law” is among the most controversial.
Officially, the law targets fake news. In practice, it provides courts with a tool to prosecute journalists whose reporting challenges official narratives.
Economic pressure is less visible but just as effective. Independent media is struggling to survive. Some of Türkiye’s most determined journalists now work on minimal budgets and aware that their reporting could cost them their livelihoods.
Foreign journalists are not exempt. Respected European correspondents have been detained, questioned, and expelled for covering protests or opposition figures.
Perhaps most painful is the growing sense of defeat among younger reporters. Many skilled and principled journalists are leaving the profession altogether.
A Crisis for Turkish Society
This is not just a problem for journalists. It is a crisis for the Turkish public. When nearly all media outlets amplify the government’s voice, critical information vanishes. Citizens have fewer reliable sources to guide their decisions about politics, society, or even daily life. Those who speak out, activists, academics, opposition politicians, are often silenced.
From my base in the EU, I frequently explain to European colleagues and editors that finding credible news about Türkiye is increasingly difficult, even in Turkish. More and more, journalists rely on rumors, anonymous leaks, or sources in the diaspora. This is not how journalism should operate in any country.
A Day to Remember Journalism’s True Purpose
On July 24, Türkiye observes Journalists and Press Day. This is a day meant to honour a profession founded on truth, accountability, and service to the public.
Despite the challenges, I remain committed to independent journalism. Every article I write for international outlets, every conversation with sources inside Türkiye, carries a weight of anxiety. But I refuse to let fear silence the voices of others who continue to fight for real reporting.