LOCAL MEDIA IMPORTANT FOR DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENT, TURKISH DEPUTY PREMIER

ISTANBUL (A.A) - 26.11.2010 - Turkey's deputy premier said on Friday that local media had an important role in the creation of a dynamic, lively and colorful communication environment and establishment of democracy.
Speaking at a gathering on local media organized jointly by Journalists' Association of Turkey and Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Istanbul, Turkish State Minister & Deputy Premier Bulent Arinc said local media seminars organized by official institutions, professional unions and several associations provided the necessary atmosphere for discussions of problems, solutions and cooperation opportunities.
"As the government, we believe local media has an important role in the creation of a dynamic, lively and colorful communication environment and establishment of a strong democracy. We are carrying out serious studies to strengthen local media's structure," Arinc said.
Noting that local media's importance was getting bigger due to changing conditions in the world and globalism, Arinc said local problems and demands could only be voiced by local media institutions.
Describing media as the core element of a democratic society, the minister said, "An independent and free media is one of the most important indicators showing the proper functioning of a democracy".  
"It is a primitive act to limit media via bans and censorship. We never think of such a method. We accept the media as an indispensable element of an open and transparent society," he said.
"If our media has problems, then our democracy is also problematic," Arinc said, adding that there were certain laws and rules that should be abided by everybody as well.
Pointing to the investigations launched and cases filed against several media organizations and journalists in Turkey, Arinc said, "Some journalists are unfortunately in prison. I myself and the government are really disturbed by these developments".
"Turkey should be a country where all journalists can freely express their opinions, not a state that punishes them for what they write or think," the deputy premier added.