The Importance of Proactive Communication in Combating Islamophobia was Emphasized
The Importance of Proactive Communication in Combating Islamophobia was Emphasized
Under the leadership of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK); Experts in the field came together at the International Media and Islamophobia Forum, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Presidency of Religious Affairs, Directorate of Communications, Ankara Science University and Erciyes University. Anadolu Agency (AA) Editor-in-Chief and Deputy General Manager Yusuf Özhan, Chairman of the Board of the Press Advertising Authority Prof. Dr. Edibe Sözen, Channel 7 Editor-in-Chief Zahid Akman, Daily Sabah Writer Tülay Demir Oktay; Head of the Directorate of Communications, Strategic Communication and Crisis Management Department, Gökhan Yücel, took part as a speaker in the session on "Proactive Communication and Media in the combatting Against Islamophobia".
In his speech at the forum, Anadolu Agency (AA) Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Director Yusuf Özhan said that the theoretical basis of Islamophobia is essentially a sub-title for Muslims among the European conceptual conflicts.
Explaining that they established the "Discrimination Line" at Anadolu Agency, which includes journalists and experts who are specialized in their fields, Özhan stated that the "Discrimination Line" will broadcast not only in Turkish, but also in English, Arabic, French and other languages. Özhan said, "The Line of Discrimination was established as a platform to be the voice of individuals who have the right to live in accordance with human dignity wherever they are in the world, where they do not have the right to speak and are not represented."
Press Advertising Authority Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Edibe Sözen said that there is no Christian-Muslim conflict in the West, and that there is a Western world that defines Muslims as the other in a secular sense. Stating that hostility towards Muslims and Turks has been instilled in the West since childhood, Sözen emphasized that Islamophobia has turned into an industry in the Western world.
Channel 7 Editor-in-Chief Zahid Akman also underlined that the main force in combatting against Islamophobia is to be a good Muslim. Noting that the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, TRT General Directorate, Anadolu Agency and the Press Advertisement Agency have a great responsibility in combatting against Islamophobia, Akman pointed out that Islamophobia should also be mentioned in television series.
Daily Sabah Writer Tülay Demir Oktay stated that Muslims began to be excluded in Europe, especially after the September 11 attacks.