On the Sözcü TV program featuring Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as a guest, the journalists“ tone, the way they asked questions, and their approach to the interview have sparked a serious public debate. The ”asking about age“ you mentioned, the accusatory use of the legal term ”butlan,“ and the failure to offer a ”get well soon” at the beginning of the program or at an appropriate moment—are important issues that must be addressed in terms of both professional ethics and the rules of social courtesy.
With that in mind, I have addressed the topic under two main headings.
🔺A TV Test Caught Between Journalistic Ethics and Human Values:
By its very nature, the media is obligated to ask questions, scrutinize issues, and uncover hidden truths on behalf of the public. However, the tone, intent, and human decency employed in fulfilling this obligation are the most fundamental criteria that determine journalism’s credibility and respectability in the eyes of society. Yesterday’s program on Sözcü TV featuring former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, unfortunately, left a lasting impression as an example where the line between critical journalism and an “accusatory and discourteous tone” was blurred—and at times even crossed.
1. Professional Responsibility and Style Issues:
“Asking Questions” or “Demanding Answers”?
A journalist is free to ask questions, regardless of who the interviewee is; politicians, on the other hand, are obligated to answer those questions. However, the biggest problem that stood out in last night’s broadcast was not so much the content of the questions as the “manner in which they were asked, the underlying tone, and the way the questions were prompted”—all of which were distasteful.
-Age Focus:
A politician’s age, physical condition, or willingness to continue in active politics can certainly be debated from the perspectives of political science and public opinion. However, asking this directly on camera, with an emphasis that pushes the boundaries of politeness, appears to serve the purpose of wearing down and neutralizing the interviewee rather than serving the public interest. When the age factor is presented as a mere “time limit”—detached from the context of experience and merit—journalism loses its objectivity.
-The “Butlan” Debate and Accusatory Language:
In discussions centered on convention procedures and legal terminology, the use of phrases such as “Who wanted this nullity?” has created an atmosphere of accusation rather than posing a technical question. A journalist’s role is not to make accusations like a prosecutor in a courtroom, but to ask impartial questions that shed light on the background of events. The increasingly aggressive tone has reinforced the perception among viewers that the motivation behind the questioning is not to “seek the truth” but to “corner” the interviewee.
2. Neglect of Human Values and Social Courtesy:
One of the most fundamental building blocks of Anatolian culture and universal human ethics is “never failing to show a minimum of courtesy and empathy in times of illness, good health, and family matters,” regardless of the extent of political or ideological differences.”
-Failing to Offer a "Get Well Soon" Wish:
While the public is well aware of the health issues faced by Selvi Kılıçdaroğlu, the wife of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the fact that even the most basic expression of human compassion—a simple “get well soon”—was omitted at the beginning of the broadcast or in a relevant segment is one of the program’s greatest shortcomings. The harsh climate of politics should not erode journalists“ humanity. This disconnect in the broadcast left viewers with the impression of a ”mechanical and hostile interview devoid of human emotion.” Yet journalism is a profession that touches people’s lives and upholds human values.
In summary: The Integrity of Journalism Lies in Its Style:
The events of last night have clearly demonstrated that Turkey’s media landscape and interview culture are in need of serious self-reflection. Being critical and asking tough questions are hallmarks of journalism; however, in doing so, we must not equate “politeness with weakness and aggression with courage.”.
Unfortunately, the manner in which questions are asked on Sözcü TV does not fully align with either the principles of modern journalism or the human values that are our social heritage. Journalism is the fourth estate only as long as it does not forget that its audience consists of human beings and enlightens the public while maintaining the boundaries of respect. Otherwise, it cannot go beyond being a mere “screen breeze” that merely fuels polarization and leaves a bitter aftertaste with viewers.