Turkey’s STV opens Washington studio, first among Turkish TV networks


Date posted: March 18, 2015

One of Turkey’s leading TV networks, the Samanyolu Media Group is expanding its scope by opening a new bureau and a studio equipped with cutting-edge technology in Washington, D.C., amid unceasing government repression at home.

Turkish lawmakers, public figures and representatives of Turkish groups in the area joined the opening ceremony of the new studio, the first TV studio opened by a Turkish news channel in Washington.

The studio highlights the expansion of the Samanyolu Media Group, which has been under tremendous pressure by the government over its critical coverage, and whose CEO still remains behind bars after spending almost three months in prison. On behalf of the Samanyolu Media Group, Editor-in-Chief Metin Yıkar said his media group is breaking new ground yet again, and this time in the world’s “most important capital.”

Reminding his audience that recent, ominous developments in Turkey are more closely monitored by the United States than by any other country, Yıkar noted that Turkey’s decline into authoritarianism is clear. “The fact that our media group’s president, Hidayet Karaca, has been in prison for almost three months on fictitious charges of leading an armed terrorist organization based on two words in a soap opera is the most apparent example of this,” Yıkar stressed. He claimed that the government is not only “attempting to muzzle STV,” but also that it aims at silencing and smothering any broadcasting outlets that have critical coverage.

Despite all the pressure, Yıkar said on behalf of himself and everyone at STV, “We are looking toward a completely new future.”

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Bursa deputy Aykan Erdemir hailed the opening of the Washington studio, highlighting the relentless violations of media freedom in Turkey. İzmir independent lawmaker İlhan İşbilen, as well as Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Elazığ deputy Enver Erdem were also among the participants at the opening ceremony of the studio.

From prison, Karaca also congratulated his staff on the opening of the Washington studio, which he said will serve democracy in Turkey. Karaca, who remains in prison without any charges, indictment or a trial date, said, “We hit the road for this purpose and no matter the cost we will never turn back.”

As CEO, Karaca is responsible for 14 television stations in four languages, including Arabic and Kurdish. “I send my greetings to you from a prison cell, along with many journalists who are paying the price for freedom and democracy,” Karaca wrote in a letter read during the opening ceremony. “I know that we are not alone in this path toward peace and freedom,” he added.

Source: Today's Zaman , March 18, 2015


Related News

The cleric, the coup and the conspiracy

In Pennsylvania, Gülen and his aides scrambled to denounce the coup attempt as it unfolded. “As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt,” Gülen said in a statement, referring to Turkey’s spotty democratic history. The U.S. also was quick to condemn the coup attempt, but not quick enough for many in the Turkish government and media.

Turkish Community Donates $40,000 To Sandy Damaged Gerritsen Library, Elementary School

A coalition of Turkish-American organizations forked over $40,000 yesterday to the Gerritsen Beach library (2808 Gerritsen Avenue) and Gerritsen Beach Elementary School (P.S. 277), institutions that have suffered in the five months since Superstorm Sandy rocked the community. The donation came from Turkish-American groups, non-profits and businesses, spearheaded by Helping Hands Relief Foundation, Kimse Yokmu, […]

Saylorsburg protesters focus on Turkish cleric

As a corruption investigation embroils the prime minister of Turkey and the country’s ruling party, protesters descended for a third time on Saylorsburg against Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen. But Alp Aslandogan, spokesman for Gülen’s movement, said the protesters’ views are contradictory. He said Erdogan has blamed Gülen for the investigation, so protesters are supporting the ruling party by protesting Gülen now.

Cyber attacks on news websites threaten freedom of press, expression

Starting mid-February, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has been severely penalizing a number of news TV channels known for their anti-government broadcasts. Those channels, which include Samanyolu Haber TV and Bugün TV, were mostly penalized on the grounds that their programs were biased. The channels have been broadcasting reports about claims of corruption and bribery that have implicated some government members.

Crackdown in Turkey felt in Capital Region

Volunteers at the Turkish Cultural Center of Albany offered Turkish language and cooking classes, invited the public to Ramadan friendship dinners and sought to build a bridge between East and West by leading a dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. They were research scientists, professors, graduate students, state employees and restaurant owners.

Gulen Charter Schools Myth

Gulen Charter Schools Myth – As parents poured into Harmony’s future school building for an information session this evening, “West Texas Patriots” members stood outside handing out fliers that encourage parents to research the school online. As CBS 7 first told you Tuesday, The Patriots believe the Harmony Schools have connections to “Radical Islam”. However, continued […]

Latest News

Erdogan’s Failed Crusade: The World Rejects His War on Hizmet

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

In Case You Missed It

Prosecutor’s office launches investigation into Şahin’s claim

UK Parliament: No evidence that Gülen, movement behind coup attempt

Something rotten within the government?

Halki, pope, patriarch and Gülen

Mongolia’s Elite Schools sponsor reading halls at pediatric hospital

HAPPENING NOW: Police await outside Esenyurt Eslife hospital to detain woman who just gave birth

How the fallout from Turkey’s coup attempt has been felt in South Africa

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News