Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculy of Communication, New Media and Journalism Department graduate Melisa Santürk got to the finals of the 34th Türkiye Journalists’ Society (TJS) Aydın Doğan Young Communicators Competition with her website titled “Ekolojik Yankılar / Ecological Echos”. The said website prepared by Melisa Santürk as part of her graduation project, offers extensive environmental journalism with webcasts, podcasts, video news and interviews along with the emphasis it puts on the statistical data reinforce3d with infographic presentations. The competition will evaluate 59 finalists in different categories and the award ceremony will be held on 16 December 2024 at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel.
Receiving the second-place award in the previous Young Communicators Competition, with the ‘CMC Mine Dumps’ documentary she prepared with Sadık Kayrakçı, Santürk aims to add yet another award to her achievements by the virtue of her “Ecologic Echos” website in the field of environmental journalism.
Santürk: “This Success is a Product of the Learnings throughout My Educational Life”
Expressing her pride to be a finalist at the 34th TJS Aydın Doğan Young Communicators Competition, Santürk touched on the importance of environmental journalism which she conducts through her “Ecological Echos” website. Santürk emphasized the importance of tackling ecological problems, which are currently creating significant issues and are likely to cause even bigger challenges in the future, with careful attention and a focus on raising awareness.
Underscoring that the education she received at the EM Faculty of Communication played a significant role in her achievement, Santürk said; “This achievement is the physical reflection of my 4-year training period, the experiences I gained and the inspiration of my beloved teachers. My project being a finalist in such an important competition is not only a personal achievement, but also a success showcasing the quality education I received and the strong academics who shed light on my way”.
Conveying that such achievements awarded at prestigious competitions like this one, are a significant source of motivation for future projects, Santürk continued her words by saying; “I would like to thank everyone who have supported me during this process, especially to my teachers who have generously shared their valuable knowledge and experiences with the along the way. I cannot wait to do even better in the future”.
Prof. Dr. Ersoy: “We take pride in Our Students’ Success”
Dean of the EMU Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy also talked on the topic, stressing the faculty’s achievements in the field of new media and journalism within the last few years. Prof. Dr. Ersoy stated that such achievements are a result of the quality theoretical and professional training the students received at the faculty. Prof. Dr. Ersoy expressed his gratitude to all the faculty members who prepare students for both competitions and professional life, stating that they are proud of Melisa Santürk in particular, and the students’ achievements in general. Emphasizing that they will provide all kinds of support to ensure the sustainability of such successes, Prof. Dr. Ersoy highlighted the importance of being recognized by the jury members of prestigious competitions.