ISTANBUL 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that at a time when “information and culture wars” are shaping the global agenda, TRT, Türkiye’s national public broadcaster, and Anadolu Agency are leading the “struggle for truth” and standing as a barrier against cultural degeneration through broadcasts and productions that prioritize what is good, right and just.

Speaking at the launch event of TRT’s new youth channel, TRT Genc, in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday, Erdogan congratulated the Turkish nation and the Muslim world on Mi’raj Night, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension, and prayed for peace and relief for those facing oppression, especially in Gaza.

Erdogan said TRT, as a public broadcaster, must remain faithful to the truth — particularly on matters related to Türkiye’s history — stressing it has no room for errors driven by ratings concerns.

Welcoming TRT Genc to the airwaves under the slogan “the future is you,” Erdogan said the channel will become a key platform for young people and contribute to raising generations that will strengthen Türkiye’s vision for the “Century of Türkiye.” He said TRT Genc’s programming, ranging from science and technology to arts, sports, history and daily life, will support the intellectual, emotional and cultural development of youth.

He also stressed that platforms like TRT Genc are needed in the fight against addiction, which he described as one of the major plagues of the modern age.

Erdogan warned that addiction to drugs, alcohol, online betting, gambling and cigarettes has reached levels “as harmful as terrorism, or even worse” for Türkiye, stressing that security measures alone are not enough.

Describing the family as one of the main battlegrounds of “culture wars,” Erdogan argued that “distorted relationships” are being promoted across media content, from TV series and films to cartoons, games and toys. He said TRT’s success lies in producing content that the entire family can watch with peace of mind, and called for stronger programming that addresses addiction beyond public service announcements.

Erdogan also highlighted TRT’s international achievements, noting that the TRT co-produced film Triangle of Sadness won the Palme d’Or at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, while a TRT World documentary received an Emmy in the news and current affairs category - a first for Türkiye.

He also pointed to the global impact of the documentary Holy Redemption, which focuses on Israeli settlers in Palestine, and said nearly 100 TRT co-productions have won around 500 awards at major festivals over the past four years. Erdogan also wished success to Palestine 36, set to compete in the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.