JOURNALIST METE ÇUBUKÇU: “THE FIRST CASUALTY OF WAR AND CRISIS IS ALWAYS THE TRUTH”
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted Mete Çubukçu, renowned journalist, author and war reporter from Türkiye, during the Communication Days organized by the Faculty of Communication. Held at the Prof. Dr. Aysel Aziz Hall located in the Faculty of Communication, the event brought together academic theory and professional practice, focusing on the transformation of journalism during times of crisis and the impact of digitalization on news reporting.
In his talk titled “The Role of New Media in Journalism during Times of Crisis and War”, Mete Çubukçu drew on decades of firsthand experience reporting from conflict zones and active war fronts around the world. Reflecting on his field experiences, he examined how journalism has evolved in response to the digital age, highlighting the ways in which new media technologies have reshaped traditional news practices. Alongside his role as the producer and host of Pasaport on NTV, Çubukçu also serves as a faculty member in the Department of New Media and Journalism at the EMU Faculty of Communication.
The Threat of Disinformation
One of the central themes of the conference was the speed and reliability of information during times of crisis and conflict. Highlighting how the rise of new media, smartphones, and social networking platforms has reduced access to news to mere seconds, Çubukçu noted that while this has significantly accelerated the flow of information, it has also amplified the risks of disinformation and manipulation. Emphasizing the critical importance of verification, Çubukçu stated, “The first casualty of war and crisis is always the truth. For this reason, the foremost responsibility of today’s communicators is to seek verified information that serves the public interest, no matter the circumstances”. The talk also explored the practical realities of war correspondence, covering topics such as field survival, safety and risk management, and the ethical responsibilities journalists must uphold while reporting from conflict zones.
The event, attended by the Faculty administration, academic staff, alumni, and particularly students from the Department of New Media and Journalism, concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with the journalist, asking about the contrasting ways global crises are framed by mainstream international media and alternative digital platforms, the future role of artificial intelligence in war reporting, and the challenges of maintaining objectivity while reporting from the field.
Honor and High Honor Certificate Ceremony Held
Following the talk, the event continued with the New Media and Journalism Department Honor and High Honor Certificate Ceremony. Certificates were presented by the event’s guest of honor, Mete Çubukçu, to students who earned Honor and High Honor distinctions in recognition of their outstanding academic performance during the 2025–2026 Fall Semester. Receiving their certificates from one of Türkiye’s most distinguished journalists made the occasion particularly meaningful for the students, who celebrated their academic achievements with pride and excitement.