Global Journalists Council: We stand by all journalists who practise their profession with dignity despite every hardship

Rastinews — The Board of the Global Journalists Council (KGK), which has representatives in 88 countries and 81 provinces, brought the practice of journalism, commercial interest relationships and the use of professional titles back onto the agenda, in light of recent developments in the journalism and media sector arising within the framework of judicial investigations conducted by the state's judicial organs, and of the debates that have reached the public. In its statement, KGK said: "Despite every hardship and economic pressure, we stand by all journalists who practise their profession with dignity, without compromising universal press professional principles."

The written statement, which stressed that "as the Global Journalists Council (KGK), in this period in which the ethical values of journalism are being disregarded, we once again consider it an institutional duty to recall the following basic principles, out of our responsibility to protect the dignity and credibility of our profession and the public's right to accurate information," continued as follows:

Journalism is a respected profession that serves the public interest and is based, above all, on a high degree of trust between 'news sources and journalists' and between 'journalists and the public, that is, readers and viewers.' Among the factors at the heart of this high degree of trust, the most important is the principle that 'journalism is a profession of distance. The journalist creates this high degree of trust by keeping a distance both from news sources and from the public.'

However, the fact that in recent times some individuals claiming to practise 'journalism' at prominent journalistic outlets in our country have held commercial partnerships, company executive positions or capital relationships in fields outside the media sector casts a shadow over 'the impartiality of the news' and over the dignity and independence of our profession. Journalistic activity and commercial interests can under no circumstances and at no stage be brought together.

2) Protection of the professional title and expertise

Legitimate achievements and hard work earned in social life, sport, the arts or commerce are undoubtedly worthy of respect. However, merely engaging in commentary, presenting programmes or showmanship on television screens or digital platforms does not by itself make a person a 'journalist.' Journalism is an independent field of expertise that requires distinct professional training, experience, long-term work in the field, universal ethical principles and heavy social responsibilities.

At this point, 'journalism' and 'spokesmanship' activities must be distinguished from one another. A journalist researches a matter or matters that are essentially in the public interest and informs the public once a conclusion has been reached. It has been observed that recently, under the guise of 'journalism' activity, some individuals have, within the framework of 'commercial interest' and 'holding of office or position,' acted as spokespersons for certain persons, groups or formations rather than practising journalism. This approach is 'unacceptable' within the scope of professional dignity and ethics.

Such activity, having no connection whether close or distant with journalism, are processes that should instead be assessed as 'public relations' work falling under the media sector.

3) A warning against the instrumentalisation of the title

The attempt to intertwine the journalism title with concepts such as public relations, consultancy, lobbying, political purposes or commercial pursuits is causing an erosion of the profession. The profession's essential duty is solely to convey the truth to the public, independent of all interest centres. A journalist is obliged not to create even the slightest doubt between the news they produce and their own commercial agenda.

A journalist must also stand not alongside the dominant powers but alongside the wronged and those in the right, contributing to securing justice, the rule of law and rights on matters that concern the public. This is also one of the fundamental principles of our profession.

As the Global Journalists Council (KGK), we stand by all journalists who, despite every hardship and economic pressure, practise their profession with dignity without compromising universal press professional principles. Our Council will continue to closely monitor developments regarding violations of these principles and to expect its members to fully comply with professional ethical rules. We respectfully announce to the public that we will continue to firmly maintain our principled stance against any attempt that would damage the reputation of our profession or turn it into a cover for commercial tools."