The Governor's Office of Konya, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and the Selcuklu, Meram, and Karatay municipalities organized a January 10th Journalists' Day program for the managers and employees of media organizations operating throughout the city.
Sefa Özdemir, President of the Konya Journalists Association, thanked Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay and the district municipalities for bringing them together every year on January 10th.
He emphasized that the media sector in Turkey has undergone a significant process of change and transformation over the past quarter-century and pointed out the urgent need for the enactment of a professional law.
Mustafa Kavuş, Mayor of Meram, said, "We are officially a big family now. You are very precious and valuable to us. You always deserve respect, love, and honor. In all the positions we hold, we try our best to protect, support, and safeguard our press and its power."
Hasan Kılca, Mayor of Karatay, stated, "We walk together day and night. This is one of the beauties of our Konya. There is unity and solidarity here. We consider the journalists here as part of the Konya Model Municipality, as part of the Konya model. I congratulate all our journalists and press members on their day."
Ahmet Pekyatırmacı, Mayor of Selçuklu, stated, "In an environment where the speed of information dissemination has increased at a dizzying rate, the understanding of accurate and honest journalism has become more valuable than ever. Therefore, journalists have a significant responsibility in the fight for truth against lies and disinformation. In this context, the Konya press continues to set an example with its publications that adhere to ethical standards."
Mayor Altay said, "Konya is a city that stands out in many ways. We are in the city with the highest level of unity and solidarity. Konya is a city that excels in municipal services. We live in a city that is the capital of agriculture, industry, and technology. Additionally, we proudly express that the power of the press, and especially principled journalism, sets an example for other cities in Konya. We strive to highlight Konya in many aspects, but if our efforts are not covered by the local media, we have no way of conveying our work. Therefore, I thank all our brothers and sisters, both those who are with us today and those from the center and our districts who couldn't be here, for the effort you contribute to our city on behalf of all Konya residents. We love you all sincerely. We are happy to serve our city with you. Let us continue to provide significant services to Konya together, God willing."
