04.12.2025 11:05
A new development has occurred in the process that began with the dismissal of 14 employees at Sözcü TV and continued with significant changes in the management team. Veteran journalist Uğur Dündar announced that he is parting ways with Sözcü Newspaper, which he has been writing for since 2012, stating, "No one ever told me to 'leave,' but today I am leaving Sözcü Newspaper and Sözcü TV." It has been learned that Dündar has reached an agreement with Halk TV.
After the dismissal of 14 people, including Özgür Çakmakçı, Hakan Durmuş, Emel Okaygün, and Dora Mengüç, without any justification at Sözcü TV, significant changes were made in the channel's management. Yılmaz Özdil became the President of the Sözcü Media Group, which includes Sözcü and Korkusuz newspapers as well as Sözcü TV. İpek Özbey was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief, and Güney Öztürk, a columnist for Sözcü newspaper, was appointed as the general manager of the channel. While the wave of dismissals has led to criticism, there has been another development regarding the issue.
UGUR DUNDAR LEFT SOZCU
The veteran journalist Uğur Dündar's final article was published today in Sözcü. Dündar stated that thousands of his articles have been published in Sözcü over the past 13 years, expressing that "we have reached the end of the road." Emphasizing that no one told him to "leave," the veteran journalist announced his departure with the words, "Today, I am leaving Sözcü newspaper and Sözcü TV."
FAREWELL LETTER
The veteran journalist's last article in Sözcü was as follows:
"Farewell...
I started writing for SÖZCÜ newspaper in 2012. I will never forget, we had a successful advertising campaign and increased the circulation from 75,000 to 125,000, gaining 50,000 in circulation. (At that time, SÖZCÜ TV did not exist.)
In these 13 years, which passed like a breeze and were filled with beautiful memories, thousands of my articles were published. Then my TV programs aired. I would like to thank Mr. Burak Akbay for these 13 years, during which not even a comma was touched, and which were spent in complete editorial independence and heartfelt connection. I also extend my gratitude to all my valuable colleagues at every level of our newspaper, television, and website...
What befits us is to express this truth, which we have always mentioned while working, even after leaving SÖZCÜ.
Yes, we have reached the end of the road. No one ever told me "leave," but today I am leaving SÖZCÜ newspaper and SÖZCÜ TV.
Endless thanks to the support of my dear friends who have always been by my side in difficult times...
Goodbye, stay healthy and full of love.
Uğur Dündar"
NEW ADDRESS REVEALED
Close friend Artist Müjdat Gezen wrote that Uğur Dündar has reached an agreement with Halk TV. Gezen stated in his column in Cumhuriyet newspaper, "Don't say you heard it from me, but Uğur has agreed with Halk TV. The newspaper is also published by Halk. The burden will be heavier there."