"Local Media Yields to Opportunism in Elections"

As local elections to be held on March 29 approach, local papers all around Turkey use this opportunity to flourish, financially that is. Milas Önder's Coskun Efendioglu talks to bianet on how local journalism suffers from this approach, and how local papers fail to reflect people's agenda, giving way to political manipulation while degrading vocational ethics.   

How do you evaluate the effects of the upcoming elections on local media?

Eventhough I can't talk about a direct pressure, unfortunately the elections causes a degradation regarding the ways the local media function. Blessing, magnifying articles are appearing on candidates, while others who don't comply are unethically scribbled.   

For example a newspaper recently released an anonymous article on the opposition party's candidate, which involved accusations clearly without foundation. On another occasion, the ruling party had two people for candidacy. When an article appeared on one them regarding a past romantic affair –for which he was tried and acquitted-, the other won the race. 

Is it the hash conditions in which the local media is trying survive or do you see an attempt to trivialize politics?

Both are true. But newly founded papers are violating vocational ethics rather than traditionally established ones. With the progression of the technology –such as the Internet- one can easily publish a paper consisting of prints from a regular printer on local level. Journalism education is no more valued but those people are willing to pose as journalists.  

How many journals exist in Milas?

Milas has a population of 50 thousand people. Four journals have the right to official advertisement. Besides, there are four weeklies and one another was established just before the elections.(EÖ/AGÜ) 

Does the press bring regional and local problems to people's agenda?

Until now, mostly internal problems and conflicts of the parties are focused. This region has authentic problems but some papers endorse some candidates and don't look beyond their agenda. We invited all parties to discuss people's problems but we're yet to manage this. Following the candidates, we'll reflect the voices of the unions and the NGOs. More over, we'll go directly to the people and give them the opportunity to voice their concerns.