The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reinforced efforts to promote decent work and fundamental labour rights in Türkiye’s media sector through a multi-stakeholder workshop held in Ankara. The event brought together journalists, trade unions, academics, and institutional representatives to address working conditions in the press, broadcasting, and journalism industries.
The two-day workshop, titled “Decent Work and Fundamental Rights at Work in the Press, Broadcasting, and Journalism Sector,” focused on key challenges affecting media workers, including employment security, freedom of association, collective bargaining rights, social protection, and the impact of digital transformation on journalism.
Participants highlighted that changes in the media landscape, particularly the rise of freelance and remote work, are reshaping employment relationships and creating new vulnerabilities for journalists. These include reduced job security, limited access to social protection, and challenges in exercising labour rights.
ILO representatives emphasized that journalists and media workers are entitled to the same fundamental rights and protections as all workers, and that decent working conditions are essential not only for labour rights but also for safeguarding media independence and public interest reporting.
The workshop also underscored the importance of strengthening social dialogue between employers, workers, and policymakers to address structural challenges in the sector. Discussions focused on ensuring that labour rights keep pace with digital transformation and evolving forms of employment.
Academic and legal experts contributed to the dialogue by examining data on journalists’ working conditions and assessing the legal frameworks governing labour rights in the media sector. They stressed that secure employment, fair wages, and the right to organize are essential for the sustainability and independence of journalism.
Supported by the European Union, the initiative is part of a broader ILO project aimed at strengthening social partners and civil society capacities on fundamental principles and rights at work. The workshop reflects ongoing efforts to promote inclusive labour standards and reinforce decent work across rapidly changing sectors in Türkiye.
By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, the ILO aims to support more resilient labour systems that protect media workers while strengthening democratic institutions and freedom of expression.
