Hürriyet: A Chronicle of Turkish Journalism
An academic exploration of Turkey's influential daily newspaper, detailing its history, operations, ownership, and significant controversies.
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About Hürriyet
The Publication
Hürriyet, meaning "Liberty" in Turkish, is a prominent daily newspaper in Turkey. Founded on May 1, 1948, it has established itself as a significant voice within the nation's media landscape. The newspaper is characterized by its comprehensive coverage, blending news reporting with entertainment content, and is generally understood to maintain a mainstream, liberal, and secular outlook.[1]
Format and Reach
Initially published in a broadsheet format, Hürriyet transitioned to the Berliner format on October 15, 2012. It is printed in six cities across Turkey and also in Frankfurt, Germany, indicating its reach beyond national borders. The newspaper operates with a substantial network, including regional offices in major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Adana, Antalya, and Trabzon, supported by a news network of 52 offices and approximately 600 reporters.
Digital Presence
As of January 2017, Hürriyet maintained a strong digital footprint. According to Alexa Internet rankings, its website was the tenth most visited in Turkey, positioning it as the second most popular among newspapers and the fourth most visited news website nationally.[4] This indicates its significant influence across both print and digital media platforms.
Historical Trajectory
Founding and Early Years
Hürriyet was established by Sedat Simavi on May 1, 1948. Simavi, a prolific publisher, launched the newspaper with a dedicated staff of 48 individuals. Its initial reception was strong, selling 50,000 copies within its first week.[6] This marked the 59th and final publication for Simavi, underscoring his extensive career in Turkish media.
Political Interventions
The newspaper's history includes instances of state intervention. On January 13, 1965, Hürriyet was temporarily confiscated by Turkish authorities. This action followed the publication of a letter from U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson to Turkish Prime Minister İsmet İnönü, which advised against Turkish military intervention in Cyprus.[7] This event highlights the sensitive political climate and the role newspapers played during that era.
Circulation and Influence
Throughout its existence, Hürriyet has consistently been recognized as a high-circulation newspaper in Turkey.[8][9] As of January 2018, it held the distinction of having the highest circulation among all Turkish newspapers, with approximately 319,273 copies distributed weekly.[2]
Operational Network
Geographic Distribution
Hürriyet maintains a robust operational infrastructure across Turkey, with key regional offices situated in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Adana, Antalya, and Trabzon. This extensive network ensures broad coverage and distribution throughout the country.
Reporting and Affiliation
The newspaper's newsgathering capabilities are significantly enhanced by its affiliation with the Doğan News Agency. This agency serves as a primary news source for various media outlets previously managed by the Doğan Media Group, providing a vast pool of reporters and resources. The combined network comprises approximately 600 reporters, facilitating comprehensive reporting both domestically and internationally.
International Printing
Beyond its domestic operations, Hürriyet extends its reach through international printing. Notably, the newspaper is printed in Frankfurt, Germany, catering to Turkish diaspora communities and international readers interested in Turkish affairs. This global printing capability underscores its status as a major national and international publication.
Ownership and Affiliation
Acquisition by Demirören Holding
In a significant shift within the Turkish media landscape, Doğan Yayın Holding, the parent company of Hürriyet, was acquired by Demirören Holding in March 2018. The transaction was valued at approximately $1.2 billion.[5] This acquisition placed one of Turkey's most influential newspapers under the control of a conglomerate known for its close ties to the government.
Political Alignment of New Ownership
Demirören Holding, owned by the Demirören family, has been widely reported to have a pro-government stance. The acquisition of Hürriyet by such an entity raised questions and concerns regarding the future independence and editorial direction of the newspaper, particularly in light of previous controversies involving state pressure on media outlets.
Tax Fine Controversy
The 2009 Tax Fine
In February 2009, Hürriyet and its parent company, Doğan Group, faced a substantial tax evasion fine of 826.2 million Turkish Lira (approximately US$523 million) from Turkish authorities.[11][12] This penalty led to the suspension of Doğan Holding's shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange and a downgrade of Hürriyet's rating by Fitch.[13][14]
Allegations of Political Motivation
Executives within the Doğan Group characterized the fine as politically motivated "intimidation." They suggested it was a response to Hürriyet's reporting that linked Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) to a charity scandal in Germany.[15] This interpretation pointed towards the use of financial penalties as a tool to influence media coverage.
International Reactions
The controversy garnered significant international attention. In March 2009, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, publicly expressed concern, stating that the fine threatened "pluralism and freedom of the press."[15] Later, in September 2009, the Doğan Group faced an even larger record fine of US$2.5 billion related to alleged past tax irregularities.[15][16] The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also voiced concerns.[17] Critics and investors drew parallels between these actions and Russia's use of tax charges against the Yukos oil company for political reasons, a comparison that Prime Minister Erdoğan dismissed as "very ugly" and disrespectful.[17]
Golden Butterfly Awards
Sponsorship and Recognition
Hürriyet plays a significant role in recognizing achievements within Turkey's cultural landscape through its sponsorship of the annual Golden Butterfly Awards. In collaboration with Pantene, the newspaper facilitates reader voting for nominees across various categories, primarily focusing on Turkish television and music.[19] This initiative highlights the newspaper's engagement with popular culture and its role in celebrating artistic and media excellence.
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References
References
- Turkey gov't hits media group Dogan with tax fine, Reuters, September 8, 2009
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