TRT launches new channel

TRT News, the newest offering from the state-run Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), officially went on the air yesterday with a ceremony at Ankara's Rixsos Hotel. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, who is responsible for TRT, along with Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek, Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin, Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim, Public Works and Housing Minister Mustafa Demir, TRT head Ibrahim Sahin and many guests. Speaking at the ceremony, Arinc said, "In past years TRT news was criticized as monotonous, but in recent years its news-making has become more dynamic and active." On TRT plans to launch two more channels, broadcasting in Arabic and English, Arinc said, "Once these channels sign on, TRT will be ready to compete with the world's biggest media groups, taking its place among the strongest media powers around the globe." This shows Turkey's strength and power as a world-class state, Arinc said. He also congratulated Sahin and the TRT staff on launching the new channel, and wished them all success. "I hope TRT News will be associated with successful and quality news-making," he said. Also speaking at the event, Sahin said that in recent years the number of TRT channels has ballooned to 12, adding that TRT News should catch on with viewers. "I believe TRT News, with its high-quality programs from culture to education, from music to sports, history to the arts, in addition to new programs, will soon have loyal viewers."