It is safe to say that year 2009 has not been one of the brightest years for the Turkish media. Doğan Media Group, which is known for raising voices against the ruling AKP Government, faced two tax fines totaling over three and a half billion dollars. Reputable journalists criticizing the AKP Government were arrested for alleged criminal acts and even for leading terrorist organizations.  Mustafa Balbay, a distinguished journalist who is also known for criticizing the government, was arrested about ten months ago and is still in prison without conviction. Numerous attacks on journalists took place and Cihan Hayırsevener, a local journalist, was shot dead recently. Many journalists were sued for defamation and libel. Although the media is still pluralistic, there is a danger of a mono toned media.

Throughout the year, the Turkish Press Council made efforts to draw authorities’ attention to the importance of the freedom of press and the chilling effect the above circumstances have on it.  Due to the deep division within the media, these initiatives were not widely supported. The murder of Cihan Hayırsevener was investigated by the Secretary General of the Press Council, and the findings show that he was murdered due to a rivalry between newspapers supporting two groups interests. Hate speech was also a major factor in this murder.

As a self regulating body, the Turkish Press Council adjudicated on 87 disputes. There were also three disputes referred to the Council and settled through mediation. There are still seven disputes pending before the Council which were handled in the last days of the year.