The Panel on "New Trends in Strategic Communication" organised by our Directorate has concluded.
The panel commenced with addresses from Anadolu University Rector Prof. Yusuf Adıgüzel and the Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, featuring contributions from a diverse group of expert academics, bureaucrats, and media sector representatives.
Prof. Adıgüzel emphasised that communication is a strategic process, noting that each day we awaken to new information and a fresh communication tool, with every new tool presenting both opportunities and threats.
Prof. Adıgüzel highlighted that the three new publications developed by our Directorate—"New Trends in Strategic Communication," "Dictionary of Strategic Communication Terms," and "Guide to Crisis Communication in New Media"—offer a chance to demonstrate, comprehend, and articulate the transformations of our current era.
Prof. Adıgüzel underscored the importance of questioning the authenticity of images seen on television or digital media, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence applications, and said, "In the age of communication, in this modern era, we are also experiencing the most insecure time in the world. This is a time marked by uncertainty in information and communication, as well as concerns regarding the safety of individuals' lives."
Session 1: "New Trends in Strategic Communication: Digital Transformation and Future Strategies"
Following the opening speeches, the first session, titled "New Trends in Strategic Communication: Digital Transformation and Future Strategies," took place, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Bora Bayraktar, Head of the Strategic Communication and Crisis Management Department at the Presidency's Directorate of Communications.
TRT News Anchor Nilgün Balkaç stated in her speech that truth and analytics ought to be integrated concurrently and along the same line. Balkaç remarked that there is an abundance of information circulating regarding a "Türkiye Without Terrorism" and added, "No one considers analytically the transformation of the process that occurred in the 1990s. Everyone is transforming it into a tabloid." Balkaç noted that the process was clouded by misguided and incorrect interpretations, highlighting that this confusion could be alleviated through proper information. Balkaç also addressed artificial intelligence, expressing her belief that human intelligence and knowledge must remain paramount in the digital age.
Assoc. Prof. Emel Özdora from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture at Bilkent University stated that companies, in addition to educational institutions, are utilising artificial intelligence. Assoc. Prof. Özdora noted that the press releases for public relations from major institutions are typically crafted using artificial intelligence.
Assoc. Prof. Ergin Şafak Dikmen, faculty member at Ankara University Faculty of Communication, noted that the evolution of new media tools has transformed the landscape, highlighting the importance of media literacy, as not everyone possesses the same level of technological proficiency.
Oğuz Güner, Head of the Department of Public Diplomacy from the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, remarked that the digitalisation process has enhanced the strategic nature of communication. Assoc. Prof. Güner emphasized that digitalisation is the key factor in providing the most fundamental transformation for individuals in reaching the target audience and added, "Digital platforms currently occupy a space that poses threats to our security and privacy." Assoc. Prof. Güner also mentioned that he believes the digital world has a very harsh climate, saying, "Especially for governments and actors, because you keep finding yourself in a defensive position, consistently confronted with a scenario requiring defence."
Special session
In the special session of the panel moderated by Stratcom Talks Moderator Hilal Duran from the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, Prof. Zakir Avşar, a faculty member at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, highlighted the significance of information, asserting that without access to it, individuals risk being left behind. Prof. Avşar underlined the necessity of embracing technology and said, "If you are to be the one creating the technology, you must master all the processes. When these are in place, you will master what you call 'strategic communication.' Otherwise, you cannot master the processes that you do not create." Drawing attention to the fact that artificial intelligence will be present in every aspect of life and cannot be abandoned, Prof. Avşar stated that systems and institutions must quickly adapt to it.
Session 2: "Crisis Communication and New Media: Uncertainties and Strategic Approaches"
Later, the second and final session on "Crisis Communication and New Media: Uncertainties and Strategic Approaches" was moderated by Hilal Turan, Coordinator of Periodical and Non-Periodical Publications from the Presidency's Directorate of Communications. Turan remarked that the past 50 years have seen unprecedented crises in human history, highlighting a diverse array of risks and challenges, from pandemics to ecological disasters.
Prof. Fatih Keskin, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Ankara University, remarked that technological advancements have presented new challenges to everyone, a phenomenon referred to as "risk." Prof. Keskin noted that risk refers to the process of action and decision-making and added that it would be erroneous to envision modern society without a sense of security. Prof. Keskin stated that crises are inherently unpredictable and that risk is related to the individual. He remarked, "We are living in a time where, although the concept of risk appears to have taken precedence over crisis, the modern society we live in is embedding us into a culture of crisis." It feels like we are constantly living in crisis mode."
Prof. Çiğdem Demir, a faculty member at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University; Prof. Aybike Serttaş, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Istanbul Aydın University; and Prof. Çisil Sohodol, a faculty member at the Faculty of Communication at Bahçeşehir University, also provided their insights on crisis communication.