BYEGM celebrates its 88th anniversary

The 88th anniversary of the Directorate General of Press and Information (BYEGM) was celebrated yesterday with a reception at its new headquarters in Balgat, Ankara. Attending the reception were State Minister Mehmet Aydin, Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) head Zahid Akman, Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) head Ibrahim Sahin, BYEGM Deputy Director General Salih Melek, Anatolia News Agency head General Hilmi Bengi, members of the press, and many guests and BYEGM's staff. As part of the anniversary celebrations, an awards ceremony for the local press was held, where top local journalists got their prizes from Aydin, Melek and other distinguished officials. Aydin also opened a photo exhibit marking the anniversary. Speaking to the ceremony, Melek said the local press was like the body's blood vessels, adding, "The stronger local press is, the more powerful the national press will become. Local press members go to the national press after they prove themselves in local papers. BYEGM will continue to support the local Anatolian press in all areas."