Oktay Ekşi: A Legacy in Turkish Journalism
Oktay Ekşi stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Turkish media, having spent over half a century shaping the landscape of reporting and editorial standards. From his early days as a reporter in the 1950s to his leadership roles in international press organizations, Ekşi's career reflects the evolution of the Turkish press and the complexities of journalistic independence.
Early Career and Foundations
Ekşi began his professional journey in 1952 as a reporter for the Ankara News Agency (ANKA). His ability to navigate the political heart of Turkey quickly led him to the daily newspaper Dünya ("World"), where he served as the Ankara Correspondent from 1952 to 1954. His rise within the publication was rapid, and he took over as the Ankara Bureau Chief of Dünya from 1954 until 1960.
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Diplomatic Interlude and Return to Media
Between 1962 and 1966, Ekşi stepped away from active journalism to serve as a local secretary at the Turkish Consulate General in London. This diplomatic experience preceded his return to the Turkish media scene in 1966, when he became the Ankara bureau chief for Yeni Gazete, an affiliate of the prominent Hürriyet daily, a role he held until 1970.
Following a brief tenure at the Turkish Radio and Television Network (TRT) between 1970 and 1971, Ekşi joined Hürriyet as a correspondent at large. By 1972, he was appointed Ankara bureau chief, and by 1974, he ascended to the role of chief columnist. During this period, specifically from 1974 to 1982, he also managed the Hürriyet News Agency (Hürriyet Haber Ajansı) as its general manager.
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The Hürriyet Era and Political Friction
After a short stint as the chief columnist for Güneş daily in 1984, Ekşi returned to Hürriyet in 1985. At the time, Hürriyet held the largest circulation of any newspaper in Turkey. He remained the chief columnist for twenty-five years, until 2010.
His departure from Hürriyet in 2010 was marked by political controversy. Ekşi wrote a critical piece regarding the construction of hydroelectric complexes in various Turkish locations, including Rize, stating that the plan reflected a "mindset of one willing to sell his own mother." This commentary drew sharp negative reactions from then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yıldız, and Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu, leading to Ekşi's resignation.
Leadership in Press Governance
Beyond his work as a columnist, Oktay Ekşi was a champion of journalistic ethics and institutional governance. He served as the chairman and a leading founding member of the Turkish Press Council from 1988 to 2010. His influence extended globally through the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC), where he served as Vice President and founding member from 1992 to 2002, and subsequently as President from 2002 to 2009.
Additionally, between 1996 and 1998, he acted as the founding chairman and leading member of the Basın Enstitüsü Derneği, which is the National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
Key Facts
- Career Start: Began in 1952 with the Ankara News Agency (ANKA).
- Major Affiliations: Long-term chief columnist for Hürriyet and former bureau chief for Dünya.
- Global Leadership: President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) from 2002 to 2009.
- Institutional Impact: Founding chairman of the National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) in Turkey.
- Resignation: Left Hürriyet in 2010 following a dispute with the Turkish government over hydroelectric projects.
| Period | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Ankara News Agency (ANKA) | Reporter |
| 1952–1960 | Dünya | Correspondent / Bureau Chief |
| 1962–1966 | Turkish Consulate General (London) | Local Secretary |
| 1974–1983 | Hürriyet | Chief Columnist / News Agency GM |
| 1985–2010 | Hürriyet | Chief Columnist |
| 1988–2010 | Turkish Press Council | Chairman |
| 2002–2009 | World Association of Press Councils | President |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Oktay Ekşi start his journalism career?
Oktay Ekşi began his career in 1952 as a reporter for the Ankara News Agency (ANKA).
What led to Oktay Ekşi's resignation from Hürriyet in 2010?
He resigned after writing an article criticizing hydroelectric projects in Turkey, which was perceived as a personal insult by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other government ministers.
What international roles did Oktay Ekşi hold?
He was a founding member and Vice President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) from 1992 to 2002, and later served as its President from 2002 to 2009.
Which other major Turkish newspapers did he work for?
In addition to Hürriyet, he worked for the daily newspaper Dünya and served as the Ankara bureau chief for Yeni Gazete.
Was he involved in press ethics organizations?
Yes, he was the chairman of the Turkish Press Council from 1988 to 2010 and the founding chairman of the National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) from 1996 to 1998.