EU Delegation to Türkiye Launches New Initiative to Combat Disinformation

The Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye is stepping up its campaign against the growing threat of disinformation with an innovative new television program. “Ambassadors of Truth,” a collaboration with CNN Türk, will premiere on April 25 and air every Saturday and Sunday at 15:30.

The ten-episode series will be guided by Professor Nezih Orhon from Anadolu University’s Faculty of Communication Sciences. Each installment will examine different aspects of disinformation—widely considered one of the most pressing challenges facing modern media consumers and democratic societies.

In an era where false information can spread globally within minutes, the program aims to provide viewers with practical tools to identify and resist misleading content. The series will feature contributions from a diverse range of voices, including academic researchers, media professionals, and specialists from fact-checking organizations.

“Ambassadors of Truth” will tackle fundamental questions about disinformation, including its definition, how it proliferates during crisis situations, and methods for building individual and societal resilience against misleading information. The comprehensive approach reflects growing concerns about the impact of false information on public discourse and democratic processes across Europe and globally.

The program will also address pressing contemporary issues, such as protecting vulnerable populations—particularly children—from harmful disinformation. Parents and caregivers will receive specific guidance on helping young people navigate today’s complex information landscape.

Additionally, the series will explore the rapidly evolving challenge of AI-generated content, which has created new frontiers in the battle against disinformation. With artificial intelligence tools now capable of creating increasingly convincing fake images, videos, and text, distinguishing fact from fiction has become more difficult than ever.

Health-related misinformation—a problem highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when false cures and conspiracy theories spread widely—will receive special attention. The program will also examine foreign information manipulation campaigns that target democratic processes and public opinion.

A particularly valuable segment for journalism professionals will focus on verification mechanisms in newsrooms, highlighting best practices for ensuring accuracy before publication.

Beyond merely identifying problems, “Ambassadors of Truth” promises practical solutions through dedicated “Steps to Truth” segments. These will offer viewers concrete strategies for more conscientious consumption of digital media—a skillset increasingly essential in the modern information ecosystem.

This initiative comes at a critical time when trust in traditional media has declined in many countries, while social media platforms continue to struggle with effectively moderating misleading content. The EU has been increasingly active in addressing disinformation through various regulatory and educational efforts, including the Digital Services Act, which places new obligations on major online platforms to address illegal content and disinformation.

The collaboration between the EU Delegation and CNN Türk represents a significant effort to engage directly with Turkish audiences on this issue. Türkiye, like many countries, has faced challenges with online disinformation, particularly during elections and periods of political tension.

Media literacy experts have long advocated for educational approaches like “Ambassadors of Truth” as essential complements to regulatory measures. By helping citizens become more discerning consumers of information, such initiatives aim to strengthen democratic participation and informed decision-making.

The program’s launch reflects a growing recognition that combating disinformation requires multifaceted approaches involving government entities, media organizations, educational institutions, and engaged citizens working together to protect the integrity of public information.