Presidency’s Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun stated, "Today, one of the several fake news stories generated at the desk, having no basis in fact and aimed at political and ideological operations, was released against me and one of our ministers. These rumours, which are presented as "news," are absolutely untrue and baseless."
In a post on his social media account, Director of Communications Altun stated that truthful and reliable journalism has basic requirements that have been accepted all over the world and that news coverage must answer the questions "What? Where? When? Why? How? Who?" in accordance with the "5Ws and 1H" principle.
Director of Communications Altun stated that these are the sine qua non of journalism and news reporting, noting that the journalist should ask these questions while creating a news article, include the answers to these questions in their news, and absolutely ask the people covered in the news for their information regarding the issue.
Director of Communications Altun stated that today, many media outlets engage in gossiping rather than journalism, creating a breeding ground for lies, slander, and bragging with so-called news adorned with vague phrases under the guise of "backstage journalism" for the sake of the alleged "political opposition."
Stating that gossip and gossipmongers, which undermine the credibility and prestige of journalism, have become a serious problem in terms of media and press ethics today, Director of Communications Altun noted that this problem must be eliminated to uphold the dignity of journalism.
"These rumours posed under the pretext of so-called 'news' are utterly false"
Stating that professional principles may bear no meaning for those who resort to lies, gossip, and distortions, Director of Communications Altun emphasised that people's right to receive news can only be met in a thorough and healthy manner through journalism carried out in the light of the truth.
Director of Communications Altun noted the following:
"Today, one of the several fake news stories generated at the desk, having no basis in fact and aimed at political and ideological operations, was released against me and one of our ministers. These rumours, which are presented as "news," are absolutely untrue and baseless. Our President has taken historic steps towards the development of a great and strong Türkiye and transformed our country into a regional power and a global actor. It is a great honour for us to work with him and serve him in this process. Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will continue to fight for the truth to thrive, for the truth to prevail over lies and for gossip not to pollute the sphere of communications on every platform."