Why it matters:
The joint conference—organized by Iran's media regulatory bodies and Turkey's RTÜK in partnership with the ECO Cultural Institute—reflects growing regional collaboration in countering Western media hegemony, empowering nations to develop independent media literacy frameworks that challenge dominant Western narratives.
The big picture:
As the U.S. and its allies increasingly use digital platforms and social media to shape public opinion across West Asia. Iran and Türkiye's partnership in media literacy demonstrates a shared understanding of the importance of "soft power" in the information age—where media literacy becomes a tool of cultural sovereignty and resistance against misinformation.
What they're saying:
Ahmet Akalın, Deputy Director of the ECO Cultural Institute, stated: "Today, media constitutes a significant part of people's lives. Alongside radio and television, social media and new communication tools have entered people's lives. The way people access and share information is changing at great speed, and in such circumstances, evaluating and assessing media content is equally important."
He emphasized that media literacy "helps strengthen the skills needed for content evaluation and analysis, and can pave the way for more conscious, responsible, and effective engagement with media."
Feyza Gizligider, Head of Strategic Development at RTÜK, attended the conference with a delegation from the Turkish regulatory body. Participants discussed contemporary media literacy challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation and expert experience exchange.
Key points:
· The event was co-organized by the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) and Turkey's RTÜK.
· Diplomats, cultural activists, media experts, and specialists attended the conference.
· Discussions focused on challenges, opportunities, and the future of media literacy.
· Emphasis was placed on promoting conscious and responsible media engagement.
Go deeper:
The Tehran conference on media literacy marks a significant step in regional cooperation on information and communication policy.
As the Islamic Republic confronts a sophisticated Western information war, media literacy education becomes a strategic necessity—empowering citizens to critically evaluate content, resist disinformation, and maintain cultural identity in the face of foreign influence.
The participation of Türkiye, a fellow West Asian nation with growing regional influence, underscores the shared recognition that media literacy is not merely an educational issue, but a matter of national security and cultural sovereignty.
ahmad shirzadian - H.Hakimzadeh
