BY MEHMET Y. YILMAZ
HURRIYET- Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently pointed to a `media which advocates a certain political mentality' as the reason for recent developments.
If we look for local newspapers or TV channels which give full support to a political party, we can find a lot rallying around the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
In saying `a certain political mentality,' Erdogan surely meant the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). However, it is almost impossible to find a media organ subscribing to this party. Not even Cumhuriyet daily!
Claims that publications with substantial circular or ratings, act in line with a political mentality are not true.
The section which I call the `mass media' has opened its papers to all writers espousing various views.
During the AKP's six years in office, when these papers found ruling party policies wise and constructive, they supported them, but otherwise they criticized them.
If the premier believed in democracy from his heart, he would know that an independent media is an indispensable element of democracy.
Journalism, naturally, is an opposing occupation! Because it's newspapers' business to keep a watchful eye on the actions of the ruling party on behalf of the people.
Of course they back positive activities, but it's not their duty to deferential, or to help the ruling party.
No doubt the people holding the reins of power, even in other parts of the world, don't like newspapers and journalists.
However, this doesn't cause complaints about their right to criticize.
But in Turkey, ruling parties want the media bounded by them. If not, they get angry and begin to blame the media for all negative developments.
I advise the premier to get used to living with that.
The independent media will always exist and continue to criticize.