The 6th Global Media Gathering, organised by the Global Journalists Council (KGK) in Alanya, brought together approximately 350 journalists from 32 countries. The event focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of journalism.
Speaking at the gathering, Vatan Öz, founder of Avrupa Newspaper, published in the United Kingdom, and KGK Deputy Chairman for Foreign Media and European President, began his address by highlighting the position and importance of European Turkish media.
Öz emphasised that the European Group, established under KGK's Foreign Media division, should not simply be regarded as a regional group but as a powerful media organisation in its own right.
“We Are Not the Stepchildren of the Media”
“As European media, we are not stepchildren. We have a very strong presence, and we will continue to exist and grow stronger,” Öz declared.
He pointed out that Turkish media organisations across Europe operate through newspapers, radio stations, news agencies and television channels, underlining that the European Group has its own agenda, influence and readership.
“London Is the Centre of the World”
Referring to London, the capital of the United Kingdom, Öz stated that an important door had been opened for KGK in the British capital and encouraged fellow journalists to walk through that door together.
He also highlighted KGK's activities in London, noting that the council's delegations had been hosted in the city on two occasions.
During the most recent programme, held in October, 40 journalists participated in four days of workshops, exhibitions and professional events across London.
Öz also recalled an opening ceremony held in February at the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the UK Parliament. He noted that a meeting with the Foreign Press Association (FPA), one of Britain's most prestigious organisations representing international journalists, had also taken place at the same venue.
KGK President Mehmet Ali Dim's London Visits
Öz also referred to the London visit of Mehmet Ali Dim, President of the Global Journalists Council.
He explained that Dim had participated in a series of meetings and official engagements organised by Vatan Öz, aimed at strengthening international media relations and expanding KGK's presence in the United Kingdom.
Vatan Öz: “Without Its Language, a Nation Cannot Survive”
Continuing his speech, Öz addressed the importance of preserving the Turkish language and cultural identity among Turkish communities living across Europe.
“Without its language, a nation cannot survive. As part of the European Turkish media, I have personally been fighting to keep the Turkish language alive in Britain for 30 years, and I will continue to do so,” he said.
“Our newspaper is a vital instrument in ensuring that the Turkish language is not forgotten and that our younger generations do not lose their cultural identity through assimilation. We must support these efforts.”
Öz also called for greater institutional support for Turkish-language media organisations operating in Europe.
He specifically highlighted the need for assistance through advertising placements from Türkiye's Press Advertisement Agency (Basın İlan Kurumu) and subscriptions to Anadolu Agency (AA).
He urged KGK to place these issues on its agenda and take concrete steps towards achieving progress.
Just four days before delivering his speech in Alanya, Vatan Öz had celebrated the 25th anniversary of Avrupa Newspaper at the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone for Turkish-language journalism in Britain.
