As we navigate multilayered technological transformation, our ways of accessing knowledge and information, and learning are undergoing significant change.

Over the past decade, we have seen digital media steadily replace mainstream media. More recently, artificial intelligence has taken centre stage in content creation, regulation, and monitoring, prompting significant discussions about the roles of tech companies and government oversight in shaping online discourse. The instrumentalization of media and academia by state leaders for political purposes to shape public perception and generate consent is not new. However, the lack of regulatory mechanisms to balance freedom and security within the transformation in the 21st century has paved the way for an increase in the manipulation of information. In countries, where political populism and societal polarisation are on the rise, governments often leverage this gap to pressure media to align with their political, ideological and cultural agendas. This process leads to the strengthening of alternative digital media platforms, sometimes in collaboration with academia, which can undermine the integrity of scientific research and education practices. In this workshop, as we explore the interaction between political populism, media and academia in Türkiye, we also aim to discuss the potential political future that AI technology holds in store for us.  

Confirmed Speakers:

Yaman Akdeniz, Professor of Law, Istanbul Bilgi University

Murat Akser, Senior Lecturer in Screen Production, Ulster University

Charlie Beckett, Professor of Practice, Director of Polis and the Polis/LSE Journalism AI project, Department of Media and Communications, LSE

Taner Doğan, Visiting Fellow, European Institute, LSE and Lecturer in Digital Media and Communication, QMU

Lesley Gourlay, Professor of Education, Department of Culture, Communication and Media, UCL Institute of Education

Yaprak Gürsoy, Professor of European Politics and Chair in Contemporary Turkish Studies, European Institute, LSE

Yasemin G. İnceoğlu, Visiting Professor, Department of Media and Communications, LSE

Natalie Martin, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham

Selin Nasi, Visiting Fellow, European Institute, LSE and London Representative of the Ankara Policy Centre

Edda Sant, Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Manchester

Selçuk Şirin, Professor of Applied Psychology, New York University (NYU)

Güney Yıldız, Visiting Fellow, European Institute, LSE and Senior Consultant at Hill and Knowlton Strategies  

Programme:

10:30 – 11:00 | Registration and Coffee

11:00 – 11:15 | Welcome and Introduction to the Workshop

11:15 – 12:30 | Session 1: The Past - Assessing Media Freedom and Pluralism in Historical Context

12:30– 13:45 | Lunch Break

13:45 – 15:00 | Session 2: The Present - Knowledge Production under Digital Influences and Political Polarization

15:00 – 15:15 | Coffee Break

15:15 – 16:30 | Session 3: The Future - Society and Politics in the Age of Intelligent Media

16:30 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks for the Workshop 

Read the Workshop Report

The report from our recent workshop is now available. This report summarizes the key points and recommendations that were discussed in the workshop.
Please follow the link to view the full report: Summary of the Workshop on Media, Politics, and Academia 

More about this event

Contemporary Turkish Studies focuses on the politics and economy of Türkiye and its relations with the rest of Europe. The programme aims to promote a deeper understanding of contemporary Türkiye through interdisciplinary and critical research, teaching and related public activities.