The concept of CSR is still a new topic for Turkey, yet stands as a high priority on the agenda.  Through the implementation of activities for a better understanding and application of Corporate Social Responsibility, the whole society will benefit by drawing its way for a sustainable development based upon EU standards.  

This will help Turkey improving competitiveness, social cohesion and grasping a better understanding of EU policies and values for an improved and consistent society during the accession process of Turkey to the European Union.

Awareness Raising and Experience Sharing for Media

 

In most countries, the media as a strong driver, drawing public awareness and thus forming the public opinion. For that reason, under the context of awareness raising and popularizing CSR throughout the society, the media plays an unquestionable role. Consumer and investor recognition and endorsement of CSR creates an acceleration effect in terms of corporations adopting and implementing more responsible ways of behavior. The consciousness of the consumer is crucial and it is believed that media that continuously communicates and informs about CSR can form this consciousness.

The Media will, of course, an important actor throughout all other activities of the project but developing their competence and understanding on how to better communicate CSR requires special attention.

The Workshop of Turkey journalists will be carried out in cooperation with professional journalists and CSR experts from the European Union on 5 October 2009 in Istanbul, who have been working on CSR related issues in the European Union. These activities will not only serve as directing and enlightening  Turkish Media on CSR but also will create a networking opportunity for the members of the media from both countries, interested in CSR.

Through the Awareness Raising and Experience Sharing Workshop for the Media, around 20 representatives leading Turkish Media companies are expected to learn, discuss and develop tools to better communicate CSR and to create a clearer supportive public opinion.

Awareness Raising and Experience Sharing Workshop for Media will take place in Istanbul on 5 October 2009.

Outcomes

1. Increased media, company and stakeholder attention to CSR topics and EU CSR Initiatives
2. There is an increased media attention towards CSR in Turkey, thus creating an interest and participation on EU CSR initiatives, like thematic CSR Laboratories under the European Alliance for CSR
3. During the training for journalists on CSR a brief will be provided to the participants with an overview of existing journalistic practices, the value of CSR in the media, and the role of the media plays in the dissemination of relevant CSR information vis-a-vis society and its sustainability.

Participant Profile
 

• Media Representatives