January 10, Working Journalists Day is being marked in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.            State and government officials issued messages highlighting the significance of the day.

Leading state and government officials in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) issued messages on Tuesday to mark “Working Journalists’ Day”, honouring the work and freedom of journalists.

Working Journalists’ Day” has been celebrated since 1961 following the passing of legislation in Türkiye regulating the rights of journalists including the legal guarantees.

The Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre in his message said that it was of vital importance that the public had access to accurate news and be informed of both domestic and foreign developments through ethical, unbiased and principled reporting.

He pointed out that journalists worked under difficult conditions bringing the news that mattered to the people.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel who issued a message on the occasion said that journalists carried out a sacred duty to provide accurate and unbiased news to the public.

“It is of vital importance to use the opportunities offered by new media channels that come into our lives with the developing technology, without compromising the professional principles and press ethics,” Üstel added.

He expressed his belief that the media and press in the TRNC will continue to carry out their duties in line with its responsibilities.

Deputy Prime Minister-Minister for Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu who also issued a message marking the day said that journalists worked with devotion and self-sacrifice, contributing to the development and improvement of society.

“No doubt journalists serve as an important bridge between us politicians and the public,” he said, adding that the press was an important and powerful mechanism which influenced those in government.

The Director of Bayrak Radio Television Corporation (BRTK) Meryem Özkurt in her message said that the true value of real and good journalism was understood better at a time when distorted news reports and disinformation had become common characteristics on online and social media platforms.

She also drew attention to the need to pass legislation in the TRNC similar to the one in Türkiye that protected the rights of journalists.