Ertuğrul Özkök discusses Turkish media trends and New York Times growth

Journalist Ertuğrul Özkök has commented on the shifting landscape of the Turkish media market, highlighting the growing influence of international digital publications. He noted that the New York Times provided more detailed coverage regarding Mohamed Salah’s potential transfer to Trabzon than major Turkish outlets.

Özkök estimated that the New York Times has between 35,000 and 55,000 paid digital subscribers in Turkey. He suggested this figure potentially exceeds the combined total sales of traditional print newspapers like Hürriyet and Sabah.

In a separate discussion regarding his career and the nature of journalism, Özkök addressed the concept of partisan reporting. He stated that while he has maintained a career close to the government, he distinguishes between being partisan and acting as a ‘hitman’ for political interests. He also shared reflections on former editors and colleagues within the Turkish press.