Press Freedom: Türkiye at the 163rd Step Toward the Truth

Written by Gökhan Turhan…

If you want to understand the state of democracy, justice and social stability in a country, do not look only at courtrooms or ballot boxes. Look at its newspapers, news broadcasts and the experiences of journalists in courthouse corridors. Because press freedom is not merely an issue concerning journalists; it is a freedom that affects society as a whole.

Türkiye’s ranking of 163rd among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) presents a situation that deserves serious consideration.

Türkiye’s position today, compared with its ranking around 99th in the early 2000s, raises questions about the extent of the decline in press freedom. The years that have passed make it necessary to reassess numerous issues, from the working conditions of journalists to the public’s right to access information.

So, is the 163rd position merely a statistic? Or is it an indication of the barriers being erected against society’s right to learn the truth?

Why Is Press Freedom Declining Worldwide?

The decline in press freedom is not a problem unique to Türkiye. In different parts of the world, journalists face political pressure, economic difficulties, legal sanctions and physical threats.

The political approach to journalism is a significant part of the problem. When journalists are treated not as public watchdogs but as threats to political authorities, the space available for independent reporting narrows.

Meanwhile, the transformation of the digital world is also affecting the financial resources of traditional journalism. Changes in advertising revenue distribution, click-driven publishing, and disinformation are increasing the challenges facing reliable journalism.

False content generated by artificial intelligence and conspiracy theories are also making access to accurate information increasingly complicated. As verifying the truth becomes more difficult, journalism’s responsibility to provide reliable information becomes even more important.

Journalists working in war zones and conflict areas risk their lives to report the news. As a result, press freedom is directly connected not only to whether news can be published but also to the safety of journalists.

The Obstacles Facing Journalism in Türkiye

Despite the problems experienced worldwide, Türkiye’s position at 163rd place requires a separate examination within the country’s own circumstances.

Journalism is not simply about gathering information and publishing news. It also involves holding public authorities accountable, exposing wrongdoing and helping citizens make informed decisions.

The possibility that critical reporting may lead to legal proceedings is one of the significant challenges that can place pressure on journalists. How accusations involving disinformation and insulting state institutions are applied is particularly important for freedom of expression.

When journalists face investigations or prosecution because of their reporting, the consequences extend beyond the individuals concerned. Such cases can also have a chilling effect on other journalists considering reporting on similar issues.

Protecting press freedom does not mean opposing investigations into criminal conduct. The essential issue is ensuring that the law is not used to obstruct journalistic activity and that critical expression is assessed within the protections required by a democratic society.

How Does Economic Pressure Affect Independent Journalism?

Another important dimension of press freedom is the economic independence of the media.

Concentrated media ownership, dependence on advertising revenue and the possibility of media outlets facing financial sanctions can narrow the operating space for independent journalism.

Since official announcements and advertising are important sources of revenue for media organizations, decisions concerning their distribution must be transparent, predictable and equitable.

Similarly, the legality and proportionality of administrative sanctions imposed on media outlets are important. If journalists become unable to prepare their reports freely because of economic pressure, the consequences affect not only media organizations but society as well.

A media organization without economic independence may find it more difficult to examine political and social developments freely.

Internet Censorship and Access Restrictions

Digitalization has made accessing news easier while introducing new debates about access to information.

Blocking access to published news, removing content or restricting publications on digital platforms are practices that require careful scrutiny from a press freedom perspective.

Of course, personal rights, privacy and other legally protected interests must be safeguarded. However, the necessity, scope and proportionality of decisions taken for these purposes must also be open to scrutiny.

When reporting allegations of public interest, striking a balance between the right to access information and personal rights is particularly important.

News concerning corruption, the use of public resources and the activities of public officials is an essential part of society’s right to hold those in power accountable. Restricting such reporting affects not only journalists but also citizens’ ability to obtain information.

Why Should Press Freedom Matter to Everyone?

Press freedom is often viewed merely as a professional concern for journalists. Yet the issue is much broader.

When a journalist investigates how public resources are used, citizens gain information about matters involving their taxes. When a news organization highlights a problem in the healthcare system, it helps the public become aware of that problem.

Independent journalism plays an important role in bringing issues such as food safety, public procurement, environmental problems, the functioning of the justice system and human rights violations to public attention.

In an environment where journalists cannot work freely, investigating these issues and communicating the findings to the public can become more difficult.

Therefore, the decline in press freedom does not merely change the content of news. It also affects citizens’ ability to access information, hold those in power accountable and make informed decisions about their future.

163rd Place Is a Warning

Türkiye’s ranking of 163rd among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index is a serious indicator that deserves attention.

However, the issue is not simply how many places the country has fallen in an international ranking. The more important questions are whether journalists can freely investigate matters of public interest, whether critical reporting is adequately protected, and whether citizens can access reliable information from different sources.

Strengthening press freedom requires protecting the rule of law, ensuring that judicial proceedings are conducted independently and fairly, supporting the economic independence of media organizations and safeguarding freedom of expression.

In a democratic society, journalism is not a profession designed to please those in power. Its purpose is to investigate facts that concern the public, ask questions and share verified information with society.

When criticism is treated as a threat, reporting faces pressure and journalists fear for their freedom while performing their duties, the damage extends beyond the media to democracy itself.

Improving Türkiye’s position beyond 163rd place will not be achieved merely by changing its position in the rankings. It requires strengthening an environment in which journalists can work freely, different opinions can be expressed and the public can access the truth.

Because press freedom is not a privilege reserved for journalists; it is the safeguard of society’s right to access information.

And we must never forget: The right to know the truth is one of the indispensable foundations of democracy.