As part of the Communication Days organized by the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Communication, students and academics gathered for a multifaceted event celebrating the Faculty’s long-standing legacy. Eltan Halil, Editor-in-Chief of Cyprus Today—weekly English-language newspaper published in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus —met with participants at the Prof. Dr. Aysel Aziz Hall of the EMU Faculty of Communication. During the talk, titled “Man Walks on the Moon”, Halil shared insights from his extensive experience in journalism, editorial processes, and global content production.
During his talk, the experienced journalist emphasized the vital role of crafting compelling headlines in both print and digital media to effectively engage audiences. Drawing on some of the most iconic headlines in the history of international journalism, he offered an insightful analysis of what makes a headline memorable and impactful. Halil also shared his professional insights into the dynamics of English-language journalism, the principles of producing content for a global audience, and the cultural sensitivities that must be considered when reporting in a foreign language. Through examples from his own career, he introduced students to the vision, editorial judgment, and newsroom practices that define successful editors and modern journalism.
Interactive Workshop
Following the talk, an interactive workshop led by Eltan Halil was held to help participants translate the theoretical concepts discussed into practical journalistic skills. Drawing strong interest from both students and academics, the workshop offered participants the opportunity to work in groups and experience real-time news production and editorial decision-making. Through hands-on exercises in English-language news writing, headline creation, and newsroom management during breaking news and crisis situations, participants strengthened their practical editorial skills. The workshop proved to be both an educational and inspiring experience.
Gündem Newspaper Archive Exhibition
The program also featured the opening of an exhibition showcasing selected front pages from the archives of Gündem, the student newspaper of the EMU Faculty of Communication. Since its launch as a printed newspaper in 1997, Gündem has played a central role in the Faculty’s practical journalism education for over twenty-five years. The exhibition was officially opened by Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy together with guest journalist Eltan Halil, an alumnus of the Faculty and former assistant at Gündem.
The exhibition opening also became a meaningful reunion celebrating the faculty. Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy, had worked alongside Eltan Halil at Gündem during their years as research assistants, adding a personal and symbolic dimension to the occasion. Featuring nostalgic front pages, the professional experiences of editorial teams from different generations, and the evolution of publishing technologies over the years, the exhibition offered students a unique opportunity to explore how a student newspaper builds, preserves, and passes on its institutional identity.