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FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND LITERATURE

The seminar titled “The Importance and Practice of Local Journalism,” organized by the History Department of our Faculty, was held with strong participation from academics and students.

13.04.2026 05:56

The event took place on April 8, 2026, at 13:30 in the Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar (AS106) classroom, where the importance of local media and its field practices were discussed in detail.

The seminar was attended by local journalist Sabri Yıldırım, along with Coordinator Prof. Dr. Celal Öney, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yegane Çağlayan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Prof. Dr. Kasım Miminoğlu, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Alanoğlu, and students from the Department of History.

The guest speaker of the seminar, Anadolu Agency (AA) Muş correspondent Sabri Yıldırım, shared insights from his nearly 40 years of professional experience, shedding light on both the theoretical and practical aspects of journalism. In his speech, Yıldırım emphasized the strong connection between local journalism and society, noting that local media plays a critical role in informing the public, bringing social issues to the agenda, and acting as a bridge between local authorities and citizens.

Addressing the dynamics of local journalism in the field, Yıldırım highlighted that reaching news sources quickly, accessing accurate information on time, and verifying information before presenting it to the public are fundamental elements of the profession. He also noted that while journalism has been transforming with digitalization, the importance of being active in the field and making direct observations remains essential.

Yıldırım stated that journalism cannot be learned solely at a desk and emphasized that field experience plays a decisive role in professional development. He advised aspiring young journalists to practice frequently and gain experience in different areas.

“Journalism Requires Responsibility”

Speaking under the theme “This Profession Must First Be Loved,” Yıldırım pointed out that journalism, despite its challenges, requires great responsibility. Emphasizing that passion for the profession is a key factor for success, he said, “Journalism is difficult, but it is just as important. Anyone who wants to pursue this profession must first love it. It is not easy to succeed in journalism without passion.”

Touching on professional ethics, Yıldırım stressed that accurate, impartial, and reliable reporting builds trust in society, adding that maintaining credibility is especially crucial in local media.

In the final part of the seminar, students had the opportunity to ask questions about the journalism profession. During the highly engaging Q&A session, topics such as challenges faced in the field, breaking news processes, journalism in times of crisis, and ethical dilemmas were discussed.

At the end of the event, students gained a deeper understanding that local journalism is not only a profession but also an important duty carrying social responsibility. The seminar concluded successfully, providing participants with both professional awareness and valuable insights into the practice of journalism.

 

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