I have never been to Yozgat, but a full day of training on media literacy and countering disinformation allowed me to visit. The Bozok University Communication School hosted us, and I appreciated my colleagues’ efforts to be useful to their students. I did not have time to visit the downtown, but I stayed in a hotel which is located in Turkey’s very first national park: Yozgat Pine Grove National Park
The media literacy training programs are associated with the European Union (EU) Delegation in Turkey, often supported or inspired by EU policies and initiatives. These trainings aim to enhance individuals’ abilities to critically analyze and understand media content, fostering active and informed citizenship in line with EU media literacy goals.
Context and Objectives
The European Union places significant emphasis on media literacy as a tool for democratic participation, social integration, and protection against harmful media content. The EU’s media literacy policies encourage lifelong learning and aim to equip citizens with skills to critically evaluate media messages, understand the nature of media industries, and participate actively in communication processes. This is particularly important for candidate countries like Turkey, where media literacy education is still developing1.
The EU media literacy approach involves:
Critical examination of media presentations without bias
Effective communication by selecting appropriate channels and delivering messages to target audiences
Understanding and navigating new digital and audiovisual media environments
Awareness of commercial communication, online content, and audiovisual works1
Media Literacy Training in Turkey
Within Turkey, media literacy training programs aligned with EU standards and recommendations have been implemented by various institutions, including the EU Delegation and local educational bodies. These programs often include:
Certification courses, such as the Istanbul University Media Literacy Certificate Program, which covers foundational concepts, critical media analysis, and the social impacts of media2
Emphasis on digital literacy, combating misinformation, and ethical media production
Training for educators, parents, and citizens to promote responsible media use from an early age12
I have also had a media appearance on NTV:
Discover more from Erkan's Field Diary
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.