The number of media organizations that have been shut down, journalists prevented from working and, not least, their imprisonment, has resulted in extensive self-censorship. At a time when even basic facts are subjected to censorship, there is an unprecedented need for platforms aiming to meet the need for accurate, reliable and verified information as well as a site for open public discussion. Activist Gürkan Özturan will be talking at the Screening Protest seminar about the work involved in maintaining such a platform. He argues that in the current context, citizen journalism networks are essential to news provision in Turkey, but asks: how sustainable a model is it to rely on citizens as the main actors for a free press? All welcome.
Gürkan Özturan is coordinator and editor of the grassroots citizen journalism network agency dokuz8NEWS.
Photo above: Occupy Gezi, People in peaceful protest in Taksim square Istanbul on June 29, 2013 © Ihsan Gercelman Mostphotos