As part of the “4th International Symposium on Communication in the Digital Age”, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Communication organized a special panel in memory of Dr. Hıfzı Topuz. One of the prominent figures in the field of communication and journalism, Dr. Hıfzı Topuz who sadly passed away previous year, was the founder of Communication Research Association (ILAD), one of the shareholders of the symposium. Moderated by ILAD General Secretary Füsun Özbilgen, the panel event hosted Journalist Ali Baturay, Yenidüzen Newspaper Columnist Cenk Mutluyakalı, Turkish News Agency (TAK) Director Fehmi Gürdallı, Near East University (NEU) academic staff members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Demet Atay and Assist. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özejder. “International Communication Order and Turkish Cypriot Media” was discussed during the panel event.
Dean of the EMU Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy expressed their contentment on hosting such a meaningful panel organized in memory of Dr. Hıfzı Topuz, one of the prominent figures in the communication world. Prof. Dr. Ersoy thanked all the journalists and academics who contributed to the actualization of the event. In the panel that highlighted Dr. Hıfzı Topuz’s international significance in communication history, his pivotal role as the Chief of Free Flow of Information at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris was discussed. The panel also covered his impact on the establishment of the MacBride Commission and the development of the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) report, both of which hold great importance in the field of communication.
Challenges in Media Structuring Highligthed
The panel discussion focused on the political and economic challenges faced by Turkish Cypriot media in the international arena, emphasizing structural issues within the sector. Journalist Ali Baturay criticized the Turkish Cypriot press for its lack of engagement with global news and remarked that it has increasingly mirrored the Turkish media system in recent years.
Cenk Mutluyakalı emphasized the financial difficulties of joining major international news agencies and noted that the Cyprus issue, both politically and geographically, exacerbates these challenges. Mutluyakalı also mentioned that Turkish Cypriot journalists face obstacles in accessing resources commonly available to their international counterparts when reporting abroad. Additionally, Mutluyakalı underscored the lack of specialized news agencies within the Turkish Cypriot media, identifying it as a key structural issue.
On the other hand, in his speech, Dr. Fehmi Gürdallı addressed the difficulties faced by Turkish Cypriot media in the international communication landscape, stressing the importance of upholding ethical standards and social responsibility in journalism despite these challenges. Dr. Gürdallı emphasized the value of joining international news agencies while pointing out the economic obstacles that hinder such memberships. Moreover, Gürdallı also addressed the lack of interest in news among recent graduates, even though they are inherently tech-savvy due to growing up in a digital era.
“Hıfzı Topuz ile İletişim Üzerine” Documentary Series
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Demet Atay discussed Dr. Hıfzı Topuz’s remarkable contributions to fostering professional collaboration among international journalism organizations, promoting press ethics, advancing journalism education, and implementing journalist protection initiatives. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atay also highlighted the importance of preserving his legacy through their documentaries titled “Hıfzı Topuz ile İletişim Üzerine”, which document his essential academic work in the field of communication.
Assist. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özejder also spoke about Dr. Topuz’s global endeavors, including organizing journalism training seminars in Africa, India, and the Philippines. A former student of Dr. Topuz, Assist. Prof. Dr. Özejder commended his efforts to empower local media in Africa and emphasized his significant contributions to journalism ethics.
