The Tickle File is ftm's daily column of media news, complimenting the feature articles on major media issues. Tickle File items point out media happenings, from the oh-so serious to the not-so serious, that should not escape notice...in a shorter, more informal format.

We are able to offer this new service thanks to the great response to our Media Sleuth project in which you, our readers, are contributing media information happening in your countries that have escaped the notice of the international media, or you are providing us information on covered events that others simply didn't know about. We invite more of you to become Media Sleuths. For more information click here.

Week of July 9, 2018

One more stab at opposition newspapers and reporters
"no healthy news"

In the last few days before assuming expanded powers, Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan further tightened his grip on the country’s media. In the final hours before becoming the newly minted executive president more than 18,000 public servants were fired, just to remind the home viewers who is in charge. Most of this is barely noticed in Turkey, except among those struck from the employment rolls or languishing in jails. Television channels still offer Bollywood-style serials.

Three small publications were ordered closed in the latest statutory decree; Özgürlükçü Demokrasi, Halkin Nabzi and Welat Gazetesi. All served the Kurdish minority. They had been newspapers until a March raid, after which a printing company they used had its presses seized. Welat Gazetesi used the office photocopier for a short time before, like others, publishing online. (See more about media in Turkey here)

“The ruling party sees the press as an opposition,” said Halkin Nabzi reporter Ahmet Tulgar to online news platform evrensel.net (July 8). “He's putting all his laws against the press. He thinks he can achieve the desired result if he silences the press.” (See more about press/media freedom here)

Several editorial workers at Özgürlükçü Demokrasi were charged with “spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization” and similar charges in March. Halkin Nabzi; editor-in-chief Ishak Karakas was arrested earlier this year for posting messages on social media critical of Turkish military intervention in Syria. “If these newspapers are closed, our people will not receive healthy news,” he said.

Six writers for the now shuttered Zaman daily newspaper were sentenced last week to between 8 and 10 years in prison on the aforementioned charges, reported Reuters (July 6).

Previous weeks complete Tickle File