Latest news with #Turkish-language
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
US public media shutdown hits harder in Turkey
US President 's shutdown of US media outlet Voice of America, or VOA, has had a particularly strong impact in countries like Turkey where press freedom has long been under threat. As a result of the Trump administration's defunding of the US government-funded international news service on March 14, the organization has effectively ceased operations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now News websites in all languages have not been updated for more than two months. Broadcasts on television and radio have either stopped completely or switched to music-only programming. Before suspending service, VOA, which was often one of the rare sources of uncensored news in countries like Turkey, broadcast in 49 languages to a weekly audience estimated at 354 million people worldwide. Banned in Turkey Turkey, where approximately 90% of major media outlets are government-controlled, banned access to the Turkish-language website of VOA in 2022, alongside all language versions of Deutsche Welle, or DW. Since then, VOA had been trying to reach its audience in Turkey via a "mirror" website that reproduced the content of the original platform, until Trump shuttered the broadcaster completely in mid-March. Media rights group Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, ranks Turkey 159th out of 180 countries in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, citing ongoing repression of journalists. There are currently 17 journalists in prison in Turkey. RSF Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu told DW that international media organizations like VOA, the BBC and DW have emerged as "constructive" role models in recent years, as the country's increasingly polarized press environment has seen a significant decline in quality and freedom. The Turkish-language services of international broadcasters gained prominence as independent media in Turkey have diminished. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Their newsrooms are based abroad but the language services also employ a small number of reporters within the country. "VOA has also played an important role in opening the voice of Turkey's civil society movement and journalism community to the outside world and breaking the effects of isolation," Onderoglu said. VOA Turkish was one of the most important sources for audiences in Turkey, especially regarding developments between Ankara and Washington. "Whenever there was a development in the US that could put the Erdogan government in a difficult position — for instance, an allegation that could lead to sanctions on Turkey over Iran — the first website I would check was VOA's," one of VOA's Turkish audience told DW. Journalists at risk Following Trump's decision to halt federal funding to the parent agency of VOA, most of the Washington-based news service's roughly 1,300 staffers were placed on administrative leave as a first step toward termination. A group of VOA employees affected by the March executive order has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the president of executive overreach. A federal appeals court in early May blocked a ruling that had ordered the Trump administration to put VOA employees back to work. Following the appeal court's decision on World Press Freedom Day, the Trump administration has accelerated efforts to carry out the layoffs. Nearly 600 contractors, who received termination notices on May 15, were instructed to return their press credentials, badges and other VOA property by May 30. Some affected employees are J-1 visa holders and face imminent deportation, with only 30 days to leave the US. VOA Director Michael Abramowitz, also one of the plaintiffs in the court case, said that many of those journalists "have escaped tyranny in their home countries to tell America's story of freedom and democracy." On Thursday, Abramowitz noted that the May 3 decision remained in effect after the appeals court rejected a request for an en banc review, a full reconsideration by all eleven judges — and warned that the Trump administration could push for further layoffs. An unwanted 'voice' silenced Speaking to DW, a Turkey-based VOA employee recalled the day the broadcaster abruptly shut down operations: "Our colleagues in Washington were asked to vacate their offices during working hours. Their badges were seized. They didn't even wait for the end of the day. News operations came to a sudden halt. We couldn't even complete the reports we were working on." The journalist, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that VOA stood out in a media environment increasingly under pressure from "an authoritarian regime." "It was perceived as a threat by the ruling party, facing both access bans and smear campaigns by pro-government outlets targeting VOA staff. In that sense, it's likely that the government welcomed the shutdown of VOA," they said. The VOA has also produced broadcasts critical of the US governments, they pointed out: "For example, when experts criticized the US in analyses of Turkish-American relations, such comments were never censored." Trump's 'war' on journalism Antoine Bernard, director of advocacy and strategic litigation at RSF, told DW that Trump's attempts to shut down VOA must be understood in the larger context of "his war on the press." "He has targeted public media funding, launched politically motivated investigations into media he doesn't like, and banned journalists from the White House for refusing to use the exact words he wants them to use. Quite simply, he does not tolerate independent media", he said. RSF recently warned of "an alarming deterioration in press freedom" in the US under President Trump. The organization highlighted how Trump exacerbated already difficult conditions by cutting off US financial support for state-funded broadcasters such as VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Earlier this month, Trump signed yet another executive order seeking to slash funding for the US' Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS and National Public Radio, or NPR. The Trump administration also launched Federal Communications Commission investigations into major media outlets, including ABC News, CBS News, PBS and NPR.
DW
6 days ago
- Politics
- DW
US public media shutdown hits harder in Turkey – DW – 05/25/2025
President Trump's shutdown of Voice of America is particularly tough on countries like Turkey, where press freedom is decreasing. It was one of the only places to get balanced coverage of Turkish-US relations, users say. US President Donald Trump's shutdown of US media outlet Voice of America, or VOA, has had a particularly strong impact in countries like Turkey where press freedom has long been under threat. As a result of the Trump administration's defunding of the US government-funded international news service on March 14, the organization has effectively ceased operations. News websites in all languages have not been updated for more than two months. Broadcasts on television and radio have either stopped completely or switched to music-only programming. Before suspending service, VOA, which was often one of the rare sources of uncensored news in countries like Turkey, broadcast in 49 languages to a weekly audience estimated at 354 million people worldwide. Banned in Turkey Turkey, where approximately 90% of major media outlets are government-controlled, banned access to the Turkish-language website of VOA in 2022, alongside all language versions of Deutsche Welle, or DW. Since then, VOA had been trying to reach its audience in Turkey via a "mirror" website that reproduced the content of the original platform — until Trump shuttered the broadcaster completely in mid-March. After the arrest of popular Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and ensuing protests, photographers, reporters, videographers, YouTubers and social media commentators were also detained Image:Media rights group Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, ranks Turkey 159th out of 180 countries in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, citing ongoing repression of journalists. There are currently 17 journalists in prison in Turkey. RSF Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu told DW that international media organizations like VOA, the BBC and DW have emerged as "constructive" role models in recent years, as the country's increasingly polarized press environment has seen a significant decline in quality and freedom. The Turkish-language services of international broadcasters gained prominence as independent media in Turkey have diminished. Their newsrooms are based abroad but the language services also employ a small number of reporters within the country. "VOA has also played an important role in opening the voice of Turkey's civil society movement and journalism community to the outside world and breaking the effects of isolation," Onderoglu said. VOA Turkish was one of the most important sources for audiences in Turkey, especially regarding developments between Ankara and Washington. "Whenever there was a development in the US that could put the Erdogan government in a difficult position — for instance, an allegation that could lead to sanctions on Turkey over Iran — the first website I would check was VOA's," one of VOA's Turkish audience told DW. Many Turkish journalists face prosecution for 'insulting' or 'offending" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (pictured) often because they've reported on matters of public interest, rights groups say Image: Remo Casilli/REUTERS Journalists at risk Following Trump's decision to halt federal funding to the parent agency of VOA, most of the Washington-based news service's roughly 1,300 staffers were placed on administrative leave as a first step toward termination. A group of VOA employees affected by the March executive order has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the president of executive overreach. A federal appeals court in early May blocked a ruling that had ordered the Trump administration to put VOA employees back to work. Following the appeal court's decision on World Press Freedom Day, the Trump administration has accelerated efforts to carry out the layoffs. Nearly 600 contractors, who received termination notices on May 15, were instructed to return their press credentials, badges and other VOA property by May 30. Some affected employees are J-1 visa holders and face imminent deportation, with only 30 days to leave the US. VOA Director Michael Abramowitz, also one of the plaintiffs in the court case, said that many of those journalists "have escaped tyranny in their home countries to tell America's story of freedom and democracy." On Thursday, Abramowitz noted that the May 3 decision remained in effect after the appeals court rejected a request for an en banc review — a full reconsideration by all eleven judges — and warned that the Trump administration could push for further layoffs. Turkish reporters covering anti-Erdogan protests face trials To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video An unwanted 'voice' silenced Speaking to DW, a Turkey-based VOA employee recalled the day the broadcaster abruptly shut down operations: "Our colleagues in Washington were asked to vacate their offices during working hours. Their badges were seized. They didn't even wait for the end of the day. News operations came to a sudden halt. We couldn't even complete the reports we were working on." The journalist, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that VOA stood out in a media environment increasingly under pressure from "an authoritarian regime." "It was perceived as a threat by the ruling party, facing both access bans and smear campaigns by pro-government outlets targeting VOA staff. In that sense, it's likely that the government welcomed the shutdown of VOA," they said. The VOA has also produced broadcasts critical of the US governments, they pointed out: "For example, when experts criticized the US in analyses of Turkish-American relations, such comments were never censored." Investigative journalists Timur Soykan (left) and Murat Agirel were recently arrested and released but now they have been placed under judicial control measures and can't leave the country Image: ANKA Trump's 'war' on journalism Antoine Bernard, director of advocacy and strategic litigation at RSF, told DW that Trump's attempts to shut down VOA must be understood in the larger context of "his war on the press." "He has targeted public media funding, launched politically motivated investigations into media he doesn't like, and banned journalists from the White House for refusing to use the exact words he wants them to use. Quite simply, he does not tolerate independent media", he said. RSF recently warned of "an alarming deterioration in press freedom" in the US under President Trump. The organization highlighted how Trump exacerbated already difficult conditions by cutting off US financial support for state-funded broadcasters such as VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Earlier this month, Trump signed yet another executive order seeking to slash funding for the US' Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS and National Public Radio, or NPR. The Trump administration also launched Federal Communications Commission investigations into major media outlets, including ABC News, CBS News, PBS and NPR. Europeans worried over Trump's cuts to public broadcasters To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bombay Berlin Sets Global Studio Expansion With Turkish Film ‘Thursday Night Is Too Dark' (EXCLUSIVE)
Indian and Germany-based Bombay Berlin Film Productions (BBFP) is celebrating 15 years of international storytelling and setting its sights on global expansion, following the completion of principal photography on its first Turkish-language feature, 'Thursday Night Is Too Dark,' it was revealed at the Cannes Film Market. The film, the directorial debut of Onur Sefer, is co-produced with Istanbul-based Praksis Entertainment and marks BBFP's fifth fiction feature. Set over one night in Istanbul, the project is described as 'a haunting, introspective look at the emotional toll of modern masculinity.' More from Variety Mumbai Thriller 'Once Upon a Crime in Borivali' Set at Lotus Visual, Bombay Berlin (EXCLUSIVE) 'Thursday Night Is Too Dark' was developed with support from the German-Turkish Co-Production Development Fund, including Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein and Turkey's Istanbul International Film Festival (IIFF) — Meetings on the Bridge (MoB), an initiative mandated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. Director Sefer called the film 'a deeply personal exploration of male vulnerability in a society that often demands the opposite,' adding, 'I'm grateful to BBFP and Praksis for trusting a first-time director with such thematic depth.' Katharina Suckale, co-founder of BBFP, said: 'This project represents everything we stand for — cross-cultural exchange, bold new voices, and emotional truth. Onur brings a fresh and fearless voice from the region.' BBFP has built its reputation on internationally acclaimed productions including 'Loev' (Tallinn Black Nights, SXSW, BFI Flare), 'Trijya' (Shanghai, Tallinn) and 'The Road to Mandalay' (Venice, TIFF, Tokyo). Now, the company is planning significant expansion in both scope and reach. 'We have never been in a rush. This is one of the fundamental reasons we have sustained and thrived,' said Arfi Laamba, actor-producer and co-founder of BBFP. 'In our next chapter, BBFP is not just scaling — we're transforming. Our slate has expanded to commercial and genre cinema, and we are seeking partners who align with that ambition. We are intentionally and mindfully evolving into a studio grounded in creativity, collaboration, and commercial success.' As part of its strategic growth, BBFP is set to commence service production on a German feature film produced by Neopol Film in India. The project will access Indian state and central production rebates and benefit from BBFP's seasoned local production infrastructure. 'We've found the perfect home for our production in India with Bombay Berlin,' said Tonio Kellner, producer at Neopol Film. 'Their team is creatively aligned and logistically sharp. We hope this is just the beginning of many collaborations.' 'Thursday Night Is Too Dark' is currently in post-production and being prepared for an international festival run. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Campaign ME
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Visit Dubai casts Barış Arduç in romance-led Turkish campaign
Visit Dubai has unveiled a new Turkish-language campaign, 'Dubai. Aşkla Güzel', translating to Dubai. Beautiful with Love, targeting Turkish travellers – especially couples and families – through a story-led film that casts Dubai as a destination of emotion, adventure and modern charm. Fronted by acclaimed Turkish actor Barış Arduç, the campaign film takes viewers on a cinematic-style journey across the city. Through the lens of romance and discovery, Arduç explores contrasting sides of the city – from the stillness of Al Qudra Desert to the sleek, urban energy of Downtown Dubai; from colourful stretches of Kite Beach to the heritage-laced waterfronts of Al Seef. The production doesn't list tourist attractions outright. Instead, it uses symbolism, small gestures and ambient storytelling to position Dubai as a place to connect, explore and feel. In the film, Barış Arduç follows visual and emotional cues across the city – travelling by camel, classic car, boat and electric scooter – mirroring the rhythm of an unfolding relationship. He described the experience of filming as feeling more like a holiday than a production, adding that Dubai made every moment feel like a scene from a movie. Shot at recognisable landmarks including Burj Park, Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel and Balloon at the Palace, the campaign builds visual resonance to back its emotional tone. The result is a highly curated snapshot of the city's duality – offering both escapism and cultural richness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Dubai (@ Director Engin Erden, making his first visit to the emirate for the project, reflected on Dubai as a place that naturally lends itself to cinematic storytelling. He described the shoot as an unforgettable experience and is already anticipating a return. Writer and creative director Kaan Ertüz noted that although the campaign doesn't explicitly show 'love,' it carries its presence in every frame, echoing the emotional undertones of each location and moment. The multi-platform campaign is currently live in Turkey, with a MENA-wide rollout to follow. It spans outdoor, digital, social media and print channels. Behind-the-scenes footage and content assets offer a supporting layer of discovery and relatability. The campaign was produced by Big Kahuna Films, with creative direction and script by Kaan Ertüz and direction by Engin Erden.
Al Bawaba
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç Light Up First Trailer for Disney+'s 'Aşkı Hatırla'
ALBAWABA - Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç shine in Aşkı Hatırla's first trailer. With the release of the first trailer for Disney+'s much-anticipated Turkish-language series, 'Aşkı Hatırla,' which stars Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç, the anticipation began. The romantic comedy 'Remember Love' will soon be available on Disney+ and has been eagerly anticipated by fans. As we move fast into the new year, Disney+, the digital broadcasting platform owned by The Walt Disney Company that has millions of users all over the world, continues to introduce new local content one after another. 'Remember Love,' an ambitious production that was released this year, has released its debut teaser, which features Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç. Members of the Production and Management Team for the 'Aşkı Hatırla' Series In addition to being the inventor of the idea, Özgür Önurme is also the director of the series. Ahmet Vatan penned the series' original story, which Saner Ayar produced and O3 Medya signed. An Overview of the Storyline and Initial Thoughts Regarding the 'Aşkı Hatırla' Series 'Remember Love,' which will soon be shown on Disney+, has released its debut teaser, which reveals a love story between Güneş (played by Hande Erçel) and Deniz (played by Barış Arduç) that will leave you completely enthralled. disneyplustr Instagram profile Locations where the 'Remember Love' series was shot, as well as the genre of the show This romantic comedy series, which consists of eight episodes and was shot in Istanbul and Cappadocia, is intended to present the audience with moments that they would find pleasurable. Actors and actresses from the series "Aşkı Hatırla" The cast of the series features Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç, accompanied by young and master names such as Feyyaz Şerifoğlu, Başak Gümülcinelioğlu, Alper Saldıran, Naz Göktan, Begüm Akkaya, Melis Minkari, Sezin Akbaşoğulları, and Fatih Al. disneyplustr Instagram profile The Narrative of the Movie Series "Aşkı Hatırla" When Deniz (Barış Arduç), a dependable and well-known architect, is going through a separation while on the path to marriage, he and Güneş (Hande Erçel), a remarkable editor, find themselves on a journey that will alter the course of their lives. This journey begins with a message that arrives on their phones the evening they met by chance. This new trip will reconstruct the lost pieces in their relationship and remind them of love once more.
