Classes, social movements and the media: Presentation of the Turkish Airlines strike and the Cerattepe resistance in media

This study questions the function of the media in the domination of post-modern views that claim the working class and its struggle are over. The representations of the THY strike, a case of class-based social movements, and of the Cerattepe resistance, a case of new social movements, in printed newspapers (Evrensel, Hürriyet, Yeni Şafak) and alternative news sites (Bianet, Sendika.org, T24) are analyzed through the lens of critical political economy approach. The stances, in the cases of the THY strike and the Cerattepe resistance, taken by the media organizations which are determined on the basis of the ideologies they represent towards the working class and environmental movements are disclosed. In this qualitative research, semi-structured in-depth interview and textual analysis techniques are used to collect the data on the subject. In the interviews with 12 journalists from the editorial staff of printed newspapers and alternative news sites, who are the object of the analysis of the study, questions about the news production processes as well as the contents of the THY strike and the Cerattepe resistance are posed. The findings obtained regarding the news production stage of the aforementioned media organizations are evaluated. Subsequently, contents in the form of news, photos, columns and conversations about the THY strike (from May 15th to December 21th, 2013) and the Cerattepe resistance (from June 21st, 2015 to February 29th, 2016) in the examined printed newspapers and alternative news sites are analyzed. The findings obtained from the textual analysis are interpreted, supported by the opinions of journalists on the content. In conclusion, it is observed that class movements are ideologically discriminated against the new social movements. Post-modern views claiming the end of class struggles are reproduced and dominated by the mainstream media. Newspapers and alternative news sites that maintain the understanding of "independent reporting" without being under the pressure of capital and government interests are important in terms of reflecting the social reality of the working class and class-based movements to the public. Keywords: Class movement, Environmental movement, Critical political economy analysis, Traditional media, Alternative media