# Journalism forums and press integrity discussions in Turkey > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/journalism-forums-and-press-integrity-discussions-in-turkey > Updated: 2026-08-27T07:05:29.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Media professionals and journalism organizations recently convened in Balıkesir, Turkey, for events marking the 10th anniversary of the Balıkesir Journalists and Writers Association. During an international forum, officials discussed the evolving media landscape and the necessity of protecting journalists’ labor and copyrights. Abdulkadir Çay, General Manager of the Press Advertisement Agency (BİK), noted that the agency provided nearly 100 million Lira in advertisement support to Balıkesir-based media outlets during the first seven months of 2026 to support sustainability. The forum also included an awards ceremony where Agil Alesger received the ‘International Media and Communication Award’ for his work in Turkic world media cooperation. Following these gatherings, the Türkiye Gazeteciler Federasyonu (TGF) Presidents' Council met in Balıkesir with representatives from Anatolia, Thrace, Northern Cyprus, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. In a related development regarding press integrity, Süleyman Akbulut, President of the Muğla Gazeteciler Cemiyeti, issued a statement defending local journalists against political accusations in Bodrum, arguing against the use of the press as a scapegoat for political disputes. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Turkish journalism organizations hold council and defend press integrity Journalism organizations in Turkey held a regional council meeting in Balıkesir, while the Muğla Journalists Association defended local media against political accusations and character attacks. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-journalism-organizations-hold-council-and-defend-press-integrity ### 2026-08-18: Media professionals gather in Balıkesir for international journalism forum Media professionals gathered in Balıkesir, Turkey, for an international forum where Agil Alesger received an international media award and BİK officials discussed supporting local journalism. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/media-professionals-gather-in-balkesir-for-international-journalism-forum --- Cite as: Journalism forums and press integrity discussions in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/journalism-forums-and-press-integrity-discussions-in-turkey