Deniz Tekin, a reporter for the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) in Diyarbakır, won first prize in the written news category at the 38th "Successful Journalists of the Year" competition organized by the Southeastern Journalists Association (GGC). Tekin’s winning article, titled “The earthquake report prosecuted as ‘misleading information’ turned out to be true,” highlighted journalist Fırat Bulut’s case, where he faced legal action for his reporting on a fire at Elbistan Prison after the February 6, 2023, earthquakes.
Competition details and objectives
Held annually, the GGC’s competition aims to encourage excellence in journalism and honor outstanding work. This year, a distinguished jury evaluated numerous entries from across Turkey, selecting 12 winners and awarding honorable mentions to seven others.
Award categories and notable winners
Written News Category:
Deniz Tekin’s award-winning report underscored the challenges journalists face under the controversial “misleading information” law, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting in the face of legal pressures.
Special Awards:
Press Freedom Award: Presented to Açık Radyo, which was forced to cease operations after the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) revoked its broadcasting license.
GGC Special Award: Given to Hülya Hökenek for her program “Enine-Boyuna” on Habertürk TV.
Other categories included television news, photography, investigative reporting, and Kurdish-language programming. Winners represented diverse outlets, including Anadolu Agency (AA), TRT Haber, and Rudaw.
Significance of Tekin’s report
Tekin’s article sheds light on the broader issue of press freedom in Turkey, particularly under the "misleading information" law (Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code). The law has been criticized for its vague definition and frequent use against journalists. The recognition of Tekin’s work highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the importance of independent reporting in the country.
This year’s competition reinforced the critical role of journalism in upholding transparency and accountability, even amid increasing legal challenges.
