Media Moguls and Political Patrons: Media and Democracy in Turkey, 1980 – 2018
Open AccessMany theories of democratization give a central role to media and media freedom. In some cases, independent and activist media are seen as drivers at the frontlines of the push for democracy. In others, the emergence of democratic institutions allows for the birth of a new media environment. When we think about media freedom, we often think of democracy. But what happens to media when democratic institutions are captured, circumvented, or eroded? Media are perceived as a “canary in the coal mine” indicator of illiberal restrictions on individual freedoms. Many studies investigate the role of media as push and pull factors in a variety of regimes. This dissertation explores the motivations behind leaders’ choices of different media strategies. Using a comparative historical analysis of media in Turkey from 1980 – 2018 and drawing on thirteen months of fieldwork, this dissertation argues that threats to a leader’s political survival influence their relationship with media. When external forces pose the primary threat, particularly through a military coup, leaders may be more likely to pursue an open media strategy. When elections threaten leaders’ political survival, restricting media space may be a more likely strategic choice. In addition, this study examines the “menu of manipulation” available to leaders vis-à-vis the media, and why they may selected one tool over another. This theory adds depth to the assumption that media freedom and democracy, and likewise censorship and autocracy, go hand in hand.
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