ACCOMPANYING JOURNALISM IN TURKEY: THE CASE OF ROME TRIP

Accompanying journalism refers to the practice where journalists are invited to accompany political figures, public officials, or other notable individuals on trips or during events. This type of journalism involves close interaction between journalists and their subjects, often providing journalists with exclusive access to information and events that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. However, this proximity can also lead to potential ethical dilemmas and challenges related to maintaining journalistic independence and objectivity. In the context of Turkish media, accompanying journalism takes on particular significance. The Turkish media landscape is characterized by significant political parallelism, where media outlets align themselves with specific political parties or ideologies. This alignment often dictates the nature of relationships between politicians and journalists, leading to a media environment where reporting can be heavily influenced by political affiliations. The press in Turkey operates under considerable political and economic pressures, which can compromise journalistic independence and foster an environment where close relationships between journalists and political figures are not just common, but often necessary for access and survival. The nature of these relationships is further complicated by the phenomenon of political parallelism. Media outlets frequently serve as extensions of political factions, and journalists may find their professional roles intertwined with their political sympathies. This creates a scenario where accompanying journalism can both provide crucial insights and perpetuate biased reporting. The practice can blur the lines between objective journalism and public relations, raising ethical questions about the role of the press in a democratic society. A notable example is Ekrem İmamoğlu's Rome trip, where journalists were invited to accompany the Istanbul mayor in May 2024. While this trip allowed for comprehensive coverage and enriched the news with firsthand accounts, it also raised questions about the impartiality of the journalists involved. Were they able to maintain their objectivity, or did the close proximity to İmamoğlu influence their reporting? This event underscores the dynamics of accompanying journalism in Turkey, highlighting both its benefits and its potential pitfalls. Given the intertwined nature of media and politics in Turkey, accompanying journalism presents a unique lens through which to examine the challenges and responsibilities of the press. This concept prompts a critical evaluation of how journalistic practices can adapt to ensure ethical standards are upheld, even in environments where political and economic pressures are pervasive. By proposing accompanying journalism as a distinct concept, this paper aims to contribute to the discourse on media ethics and the evolving relationship between journalists and political figures in Turkey. Through a detailed analysis of the Rome trip and its implications, this study seeks to provide insights into the broader challenges faced by the media in maintaining independence and integrity in politically charged environments.