CUMHURIYET- Columnist Guray Oz writes on the organization of Turkish journalists living in Europe. A summary of his column is as follows:
Turkish journalists living in Europe took a serious step in organizing and established an organization called 'European Turkish Journalists Union' (ATGB). The organization, which announced its establishment with a declaration signed by 70 journalists working in Turkish newspapers published in Europe, German press institutions, and in local press held its first congress last week. Its aim is to increase the number of its members from now on, reach other European countries where there are Turkish journalists. It is not easy for journalists to get organized or maintain their organization for long. In its first statement European Turkish Journalists Union draws attention to the fact that members of the press working in Europe cannot avail themselves of the union rights. Another point mentioned in the declaration is that during the globalization age people were showered by information through communications which cannot be controlled. This situation led the political and business circles to direct the information flow through the groups holding the press groups in their hand. As a consequence the managers in the press organizations are left under the influence of politicians. This evaluation reflects the facts in Turkey, Europe and other countries of the world. The best way to counter these pressures is to get organized.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION