This question is answered by looking at two separate laws, and both point the same way.
First Question: Is a Blog a Periodical?
Art. 2(c) of Law No. 5187 defines a periodical: printed works such as newspapers and magazines published at particular intervals, together with the publications of news agencies and internet news sites.
| Measure | Typical position on a blog |
|---|---|
| Publication at particular intervals | Irregular on most blogs |
| News production | Usually opinion, experience or how-to content |
| Responsible editor (Art. 5) | Usually none |
| Declaration (Art. 7) | Usually not filed |
Second Question: Is a Blogger a Journalist?
Art. 1 of Law No. 5953 defines a journalist: those working for a wage in the intellectual and artistic work falling within the scope of this Law are called journalists.
The definition contains two conditions, sought together:
- The place of work: it must be a newspaper, an internet news site, a periodical or a news or photograph agency
- The nature of the relationship: working for a wage - that is, being within an employment relationship
But What If They Write for a News Site?
The position reverses. If a person produces content for a wage at an internet news site, then even with the title "blogger" the work they do is intellectual and artistic work and falls within Law No. 5953. What is decisive is the nature of the work, not the title; we examine that measure in detail in the social media editor guide.
The Press Card Side
Additional Art. 2 of Law No. 5187 lists the persons to whom a press card may be issued. The list is built on institutional attachment: Turkish citizen media members of media outlets operating in Turkey, owners of periodicals or representatives of legal persons, board chairs of radio and television outlets, and the like.
Turning Your Own Site into a News Site
The route is open and requires no permission:
- Start publishing news at regular intervals
- Designate a responsible editor meeting the conditions in Art. 5
- File a declaration with the public prosecutor's office under Art. 7
- Meet the imprint and date stamp conditions in Art. 4
- Retain content for two years under Art. 10
We set the steps out in detail in what counts as an internet news site.
Summary
- A blog does not become a periodical, nor a blogger a journalist, by itself.
- Law No. 5953 requires work for a wage; Law No. 5187 requires publication at particular intervals.
- A person producing content for a wage at a news site is within the scope whatever their title.