16.07.2026 17:00
Okan Geçgel, President of the Turkish Internet Journalism Association (TİGAD), announced that they have launched a study aimed at establishing the "Union of Journalists of Turkey" with a special law to strengthen the journalism profession. Geçgel called on all top press organizations to support the process.
Okan Geçgel stated that the journalism profession needs a new structure in the face of the changing media landscape and digital transformation, and expressed that the planned Turkey Journalists' Union, to be established through a special law, will increase the common representation power of the profession.
Drawing attention to the importance of creating a structure that will more effectively protect the rights and interests of journalists, strengthen professional principles, and be based on ethical values, Geçgel said, "Our aim is to bring to life a strong professional organization that covers all journalists working in local, national, and digital media, enhances the prestige of the profession, and serves as the common voice of journalists."
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Geçgel noted that the planned Turkey Journalists' Union is intended to make significant contributions in many areas, such as improving journalists' personal rights, raising professional standards, protecting ethical principles, increasing educational activities, and strengthening cooperation among press organizations. He emphasized that the effort is not an alternative to any institution or organization, but rather the product of a common vision encompassing all professional bodies.
TİGAD President Okan Geçgel stated that the process will be carried out with a mentality of consultation and collective wisdom, and called upon journalists' societies, press federations, internet journalism associations, unions, and all press supreme organizations operating across Turkey.
Geçgel said, "We expect the opinions, suggestions, and support of all our professional organizations for the success of this important work concerning the future of the journalism profession. With a strong professional unity, we aim to take a historic step that will shape the future of the journalism profession."