The International Press Institute (IPI) is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists who share a common dedication to quality, independent journalism. Together, we promote the conditions that allow journalism to fulfill its public function, the most important of which is the media’s ability to operate free from interference and without fear of retaliation.
Our mission is to defend media freedom and the free flow of news wherever they are threatened. Our project, “Strengthening Capacity for Freedom of Information (FOI) and Data Activism in Türkiye’s Civil Society,” builds on IPI’s #FreeTurkeyJournalists programme (2018–2023) and aims to enhance access to public information for civil society actors and journalists. As a Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partner, IPI continues to monitor press freedom violations and conduct press freedom missions in the country with partner organizations.
History of IPI Türkiye
In October, journalist Ahmet Emin Yalman co-founded IPI at Columbia University in New York with 34 journalists from 15 countries. Since 1950, the IPI Turkey National Committee has continuously existed in various forms.
The “IPI Report” began systematically recording press freedom violations around the world for the first time.
Turkey’s Journalists Association (TGC) invited IPI to assist in preparing and overseeing the implementation of a document titled the “Press Code of Ethics” and establishing a “Press Honor Council.”
The Turkish-language bulletin “Press World,” jointly published by TGC and IPI.
Turkish-Greek journalists were first brought together by IPI in 1961 after the war.
The IPI General Assembly, with the participation of numerous media representatives from around the world and prime ministers of the time, was held in Turkey.
TGC and IPI co-authored and published a brief history of journalism education in Turkey.
On February 14, TGC adopted the 9-point document prepared by IPI as the “Journalists’ Code of Ethics” during its General Assembly.
IPI was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize due to its international efforts for peace and understanding.
IPI received Turkey’s Press Freedom Award, which TGC first presented in 1989, in the institutional category.
IPI received an Emmy Award in the “News and Documentary” category, further highlighting its pioneering role.
Once again, the IPI General Assembly was held in Turkey.
The International Press Freedom Organizations Coalition, which includes IPI, was honored with Turkey’s Press Freedom Award once again.
For over seven decades, IPI has been one of the oldest and most widespread organizations advocating for media freedom worldwide. Its true strength lies in its global membership network, which includes hundreds of respected journalists in nearly 100 countries and its national committees in 15 countries across 4 continents today.
Türkiye National Committee
İpek Yezdani
Chair
Gülsin Harman
Vice Chair
İpek Özbey
Secretary General
Uraz Kaspar
Treasurer
