Journalists’ Union of Turkey is 66 Years Old

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Journalists' Union of Turkey (TGS) was established 66 years ago today (July 10). The union was founded on July 10, 1952 with the aim of improving the economic and social rights of journalists.

In a statement released by the union on the occasion of its foundation anniversary, it has been emphasized that "the struggle is also continuing for journalism, which is under a serious attack today".

10 thousand unemployed in 10 years

The TGS has summarized the last 10 years of the profession in Turkey as imprisonment, unemployment and poverty:

"The systematic attacks of the government against journalism, journalists and their self-organization have been continuing for more than 10 years. With this extensive operation, hundreds of media workers have been imprisoned, 144 media workers are currently being held in prison; the wages have been pushed under the poverty threshold; the unemployment rate in the sector has increased to 30 percent; 10 thousand unemployed journalists have been created in 10 years and, eventually, 90 percent of the media has been put at the disposal of one man."

The union has finalized its statement by emphasizing that the struggle against all difficulties confronting journalism and journalists will continue.

"Our power comes from solidarity and it is our union that will lift the darkness."

Brief history of the union

The Journalists' Union of Turkey was founded on July 10, 1952 with the name of İstanbul Journalists' Union. The union became a member of the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) in 1957.

In 1963, the union was named the Journalists' Union of Turkey (TGS) and two years later, it became a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

The union currently has 1260 members and is continuing to defend their economic-social rights and struggle for the freedom of press. (HK/SD)