Press Freedom at CIU: Emphasis on Social Memory and Equality

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Çiftçi, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Cyprus International University, shared her views on the importance of press freedom for democratic societies as part of the May 3 World Press Freedom Day observances. Çiftçi stated that press freedom is not limited solely to journalists’ professional rights, but also serves as the fundamental guarantee of society’s right to access accurate and reliable information.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Çiftçi emphasized that an independent and pluralistic media structure plays a decisive role in social development, transparency, and accountability. She noted that World Press Freedom Day not only serves as a reminder of the universal principles of journalism, but also provides an important platform to highlight the challenges faced by media professionals who pursue the truth. Çiftçi added that this day is also an indicator of a democratic and just understanding of society.

Addressing the impact of media on collective memory, Çiftçi stated that journalists are not only conveyors of information, but also important actors who document events and preserve them for future generations. She pointed out that every silenced voice and every blocked news story creates a gap in social memory, and stressed that future generations can only evaluate the past in a healthy way through a diverse and independent media environment. In this respect, she emphasized that the media also plays a critical role in preserving cultural heritage.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilan Çiftçi also drew attention to gender equality, stating that an inclusive understanding of media can only be achieved through an equality-based approach. She noted that women and vulnerable groups should be more visible in the media and added that eliminating biased stereotypes in news language would contribute to a more balanced communication environment. Concluding her remarks, Çiftçi expressed her respect for media professionals who continue to uphold professional ethics despite increasing pressures, censorship, and digital misinformation, and stated that a free and just social structure is only possible through an independent media.