Historical and Contemporary Dimensions of Press Freedom Discussed
Organized jointly by the departments of Public Relations and Publicity, New Media and Communication, and Radio, Television and Cinema, the event addressed the concept of press freedom from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
The first speaker, Prof. Dr. Sacide Vural, discussed how the concept of freedom evolved during the Enlightenment and evaluated the influence of thinkers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire. She emphasized that the recognition of individual rights and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression form the foundation of democratic values such as press freedom.
Following her, Dr. Ali Dağlar analyzed the development of the press in Turkey from the Republican era to the present. He examined the effects of the transition to a multi-party system, military coups, and digitalization on the media, offering a historical analysis of the transformation of press freedom in Turkey. Dağlar also presented striking examples of structural challenges and censorship practices faced by journalists.
Freedom of Expression Discussed in a Panel with Students and Academics
The event, held in Classroom 602, was attended by university students and academics. The panel addressed global threats to freedom of expression as well as Turkey’s unique structural issues within an academic framework. The event provided both theoretical and practical insights for students in the field of communication.
Awareness and a Culture of Critical Thinking Encouraged
The speakers highlighted that threats to freedom of expression affect not only the media but also individual rights and freedoms. The panel raised awareness among students and emphasized the importance of critical thinking and a questioning mindset. The event offered communication students not only a professional perspective but also an experience rooted in social responsibility.
