P24 is an Istanbul-based non-governmental organization established in 2013 to support media independence. Among its founders are three former editors-in-chief of major Turkish newspapers. This initial mission to support journalistic integrity evolved into a much broader portfolio of projects designed to encourage and defend free expression in Turkey at a critical time when public space has contracted.

P24 creates case law in its defence of journalists in both national and European courts but also defends free expression through a broad-ranging advocacy campaign (in partnership with Article 19) called Expression Interrupted. It has built an (EU funded) nation-wide anti-censorship network to provide alternatives and create solidarity among those who face gender, ethnic, or ideological discrimination. However, P24 interprets campaigning as not just protesting injustices, but coming up with proactive strategies to “use and not lose” free expression. Thus, it was a runner-up in the 2019 Index on Censorship advocacy award but also in the innovation category of the European Press Prize for content it commissioned. Many of P24’s activities are designed to mentor talent and give quality journalists and writers opportunities to exercise their craft. It also mounts a comprehensive social media campaign. One of its most successful ventures has been K24 – an online literary review, weekly updated with dossiers organized around a variety of themes.

P24 has been awarded the Norwegian Sjur Lindebrække Prize for Human Rights and Democracy (2018) and the Geneva-based PEC award for “exceptional courage in fighting for press freedom (2017).

AREA / SUBJECT OF THE FELLOWSHIP

Media integrity and innovation

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED FELLOWSHİP ACTIVITY

The fellowship would suit an individual conducting research or investigation into how media adapts to changing political circumstances- for example how new media can shed some of the vices of old media, notably collusion with state or private economic interests, and yet preserve virtues associated with established press such as accuracy and balance. Another approach would be to look at how public opinion is formed under condition of repression or ideological monopoly: where are the cracks, how does the light get in? The successful project will contribute to the debate on how media can define and respond to technological and political challenges.

EXPECTED PROFILE

The fellowship would suit an experienced journalist who wants to reflect on the direction of their profession or to focus on an episode of media history; or an academic in media-related studies who might use their time in Turkey to analyse a particular phenomenon.

CONDITIONS OF THE FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

  The office hours are from 10:00 till 18:00 on weekdays. 

PROPOSED TIME FOR THE FELLOWSHIP

One month in the period of October - December 2020.