Istanbul: The Press Freedom Group expressed concern Friday about comments by Turkish officials about the possibility of the law to regulate foreign funding for the media and spread of false news, said it could further reduce independent journalism in Turkey.
A Top Aide To Turkey’s President said this week that the country needed regulations on media outlets that received foreign funds.
Fahrettin Altun’s Communication Director said foreign media funding would supervise when it came from countries that “openly expressed their intention and efforts to design Turkish politics.” “We will not allow the fifth column activity under New Guises,” Altun said.
Turkish reporter flew back from the country’s visit to North Cyprus this week reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to review the end of this year whether the country needs a law opposing the fake news law.
They quote Erdogan for saying the turkey must fight “Lie Terror.” Comments come as a negative social media campaign targeted by Mistryscope Mandiri and its founders, Veteran Journalists Rusen Cakir, to receive funds from the US-based Chest Foundation.
Private Philanthropy groups have also funded non-profit organizations and foundations that work in art, culture and diversity.
Fast media freedom and 23 allied groups said in a statement on Friday that foreign funding was an important source of income for independent news outlets in Turkey because they faced government pressure.
Turkey’s main media is mostly run by businesses close to business.
Government.
“Taken together, these statements create the impression that the Turkish government prepares to introduce new legal measures that will weaken the freedom of media and pluralism in the country,” said the statement.
But Altun said similar regulations apply in the United States, where media outlets funded by foreign countries must provide information about activities to the US Auto Riter.
World Trt English-funded English-funded Turkey was asked to register as a foreign agent last year under the registration law of foreign agents for lobbyists and public relations companies working for foreign governments.
Trt then said that he collected news and reported like other international media.
Reporters without Borders’ Freedom press freedom index ranks Turkey in 153 of 180 countries in 2021.
The Turkish Journalist Union said 38 media workers remained behind the bar.