In an age when society craves information, journalists work to present the news accurately and impartially. As the eyes and ears, journalists play a significant role in the process of researching, analyzing, verifying, and publishing information. They turn their eyes to the background, causes, and consequences of events and their ears to the voice of society.
Journalists strive to deliver news accurately and impartially in an era when society is hungry for information. They turn their eyes to political events, social change, and cultural activities. As the eyes of society, they identify important news and convey it to their readers.
Just as journalists are the eyes of society, they are also its ears. They listen to people’s stories and transform these stories into news. They turn their ears to different segments of society, listening to politicians, workers, artists, and scientists. These ears hear the voice of society and speak on its behalf. They turn to the needs of society, listening to people’s problems, successes, hopes, and fears. These ears exist to amplify the voice of society and tell its story.
May 3 is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day, following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. Although press freedom is guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, we know that it is nominal under authoritarian regimes and in Turkey.
On such a day, we fight for the freedom of our journalist colleagues who are imprisoned in Turkey’s jails and silenced for being the eyes and ears of the country. Is it just in Turkey? Countries with authoritarian regimes are plagued with journalists who are loud as long as they can be until they are ultimately silenced. On such a day, we do not forget the press workers who are silenced behind bars for speaking the truth and being their own Mehmet Baransu.
Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza was also listed among ‘The Most Influential 100 People of 2024’ by Time magazine, for his work in Gaza, which has been razed by the Israeli army, as “the eyes and ears of the world.” Time wrote, “He represents the voice of the people of Gaza who are killed, massacred, bombed, and displaced by the Israeli occupation.”
Motaz Azaiza emphasized that the award he received was “not about him, but about what he represents.” Noting that he is called a “Palestinian photographer,” he expressed that wherever he goes and whatever he achieves, sharing his country’s name is sacred. Azaiza said, “For those who do not recognize Palestine as a state or claim that the land belongs to them. One day, Palestine will be free from the Zionists and occupiers.”
“Everyone has their part to play, and my part is not yet over,” Azaiza adds. As of October 7, 97 journalists have lost their lives in the Middle East, with 92 of them, unfortunately, being Palestinian. Amidst all the negatives of war, Azaiza became one of the journalists who extensively documented the effects of the war, Israel’s aggression, and the widespread destruction of Gaza for 100 days.
Motaz Azaiza was on the front lines of the war, as most foreign journalists are not allowed to enter Gaza. During the conflicts, he shared videos of crimes against humanity, often featuring injured children or people trapped under rubble, with the world. Azaiza’s Instagram account symbolized how a city transformed from lights and joy to death and oblivion.
“We are not telling you what is happening in Palestine,” says Azaiza, adding, “We are waiting for you to take action. We need to stop this war.”
Journalism is a backbone of democracy. It is the eyes and ears of society, exposing what happens and listening to unheard voices. This sacred profession is a guarantee of the right to access information and plays a vital role in enlightening and guiding society.
Journalists are like researchers. When they hold a pen, they strive not only to see the surface of an event but also its depths. They work hard to find the truth and uncover realities. With their objectivity, they endure the pain of impartiality and focus on the essence of the news. However, it must not be forgotten that journalism is an art, and the masters of this art are the conscience of society.
A journalist is not just a storyteller but also an agent of change. While fighting against tyranny, injustice, and evil, they revive society’s sense of justice. They give a voice to the voiceless, stand against injustice, and challenge wrongdoing. Every line they write is a call for justice and a contribution to the protection of human rights.
However, dangers also lurk behind this sacred duty. Journalists often face pressure, threats, and even violence. Yet, they courageously raise their pens and embark on the quest for truth. Because they are society’s hope, the catalyst for change.
Journalism is more than a profession; it is a mission. The heroes of this mission, journalists, as the eyes and ears of society, never lose their faith in information, truth, and freedom. They are the guarantee of a bright future and will always be heroes gratefully remembered by society.
These journalists no longer live in Turkey. They continue their struggles in exile, under difficult conditions. The silenced Mehmet’s are imprisoned. Happy World Press Freedom Day to you.
