Behind the Broadcast: NOW News Türkiye
“We are a news and sports center with nearly 20 years of experience operating under the umbrella of an international company. We represent a key destination for independent journalism in Türkiye,” said Dogan Senturk, Vice President of News & Sports at NOW News Türkiye. He leads the NOW News team based in Istanbul and Ankara, which is home to the country’s most-trusted news bulletins, election night coverage and discussion programs.
Read on to meet three of NOW News’ team members and discover the experiences that have shaped their career and what inspires their dedication to their work.
As with news teams around the world, the NOW News team maintains a rigorous daily schedule to provide reliable coverage to their viewers across Türkiye. For Dogan, this means determining the flow of the news bulletins for the day and offering support and guidance to the on-air presenters. For news anchor, Ilker Karagoz, the day starts before sun rise as he preps for “Calar Saat” Alarm Clock, the morning news bulletin.
“There’s a hectic news rush in the country,” said Ilker. “There are major issues in politics, the economy, social life as a whole, and societal events. We don’t just reflect Türkiye’s news through the broadcasts we prepare, we also bring the audience’s views to the screen.”
FINDING BALANCE AND SETTING THE STANDARD FOR EXCELLENCE
The NOW News team does not take the responsibility of shaping the story lightly. Each individual is committed to a standard of continuous evaluation and improvement to uphold the channel’s integrity.
“In our profession, even the smallest mistake can be irreversible and impossible to correct,” said Dogan. “Broadcasting is such a field that once a word is spoken, an image is aired, or an editing error is made, there is no turning back—no way to undo it. That’s why we operate in an incredibly delicate balance. A highly respected mentor of mine, who passed away a while back, once described it perfectly: ‘We are playing leapfrog on a rhinoceros’s horn.’”
For News & Sports intern Berkay Öztürk, joining the team meant a hands-on experience mastering the key qualities for success from maintaining composure to resolving tasks efficiently.
“I consider empathy to be the most important,” said Berkay. “Ignoring the emotions and situations of the people we interview just to produce a news piece or meet a deadline would be a huge mistake. Even though we are journalists, we are also human. For me, empathy holds great significance.”
In an ever-changing media landscape, Ilker recognizes the value of maintaining awareness and curiosity of the world surrounding the news station.
“Wherever the news is, that’s where we are. Following the news every day, every moment — this is crucial,” said Ilker. “Being curious about what’s happening. Trying to see beyond what is written in a script, from different perspectives. You never know where or how you will encounter a news story or its subjects. Even when I’m on vacation, I walk around with questions in my mind and my pocket.”
For Dogan, contributing to independent journalism in Türkiye is a deeply satisfying and proud undertaking.
“For me, the most meaningful aspect of my work is being able to practice independent journalism and fight for press freedom in Türkiye.”
As a news anchor, Ilker recognizes the balance he must maintain onscreen and the weight of the stories he has encountered.
“Broadcast journalism is not an easy job. It requires emotional labor,” said Ilker. “There are moments when you have to suppress your emotions. There are also times when you give up when you can’t hold yourself together. Before the broadcast, during the broadcast… I have witnessed a lot of painful events, from natural disasters to terrorist attacks. These events hit you straight in the heart. Journalists carry a heavy burden in their hearts. We act as if we don’t.”
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR CAREER GROWTH
Throughout his 38-year career, Dogan has worked in nearly every position required in journalism and management starting as a reporter and progressing through editing, news intelligence chief, Istanbul news director, news coordinator and general broadcasting director.
“The various stages of my career have played a crucial role in reaching this point,” said Dogan. “I believe that my experiences, both in the field and behind the desk, have been instrumental in shaping my approach to news, crisis management, determining the importance and order of news stories, and making future projections.”
Now leading the team, Dogan prioritizes the growth and development of talent throughout all stages of their career, including through the NOW News Academy management trainee program.
“When they join us, they are already well-educated, highly skilled, and aware young professionals,” said Dogan. “However, I believe that, in a way, they go through a second school here—one that instills the principles of free, objective, and highly reputable journalism. If they can fully benefit from this experience and combine it with their academic background, they will become the future representatives of a promising new era in journalism.”
As an intern, Berkay went through the NOW News Academy trainee program and recognized how working at NOW has shaped him professionally, honing his skills in news writing, speaking on camera and learning from experienced professionals.
“The greatest takeaway from my time at the NOW News Academy has been my continuous growth as a reporter and the opportunity to work alongside such valuable managers and colleagues in a prestigious institution. I can confidently say that the NOW News Academy has been instrumental in my professional development.”
REFLECTING ON LEGACY
From day one in his role, Berkay recognized that he reached a lifelong career goal.
“My happiest and most memorable moment was my first day stepping into the company as an intern,” said Berkay. “The night before, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep. I still remember how fast my heart was beating while waiting to receive my security access card at the entrance. Then, as soon as I stepped inside, I became part of NOW News the place I had dreamed of and watched every day.”
For Ilker, a standout memory came from being able to share the newsroom with his son.
“There are many remarkable moments, of course,” said Ilker. “Successful broadcasts, impactful interviews. But for me, sharing the screen with my son Can on April 23rd, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and doing a broadcast together was wonderful. It became a beautiful memory for both of us.”
When people think of Disney, creativity and innovation immediately come to mind and Dogan notes that it’s an extraordinary opportunity to be a part of an organization with significant global media influence.
“While we report on existing events, how we perceive, interpret, and present them with a creative touch is what makes a difference,” said Dogan. “Being able to practice journalism under this brand—especially with a strong reputation for credibility—is an exceptional privilege and a unique pleasure.”
WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER
For those aspiring to build a career at The Walt Disney Company, Dogan, Ilker and Berkay offered these insights:
Dogan Senturk
Vice President of News & Sports
“Disney offers an incredible environment for those who want to build a career and are just starting out in journalism.We cultivate our own talent and create our own newsroom leaders. I firmly believe this serves as a practical example for anyone looking to build a successful career here.”
Ilker Karagoz
News Anchor
“Never giving up, working hard. Never straying from journalism’s ethical principles. Never giving up the courage to share the truth.”
Berkay Öztürk
News & Sports Intern
“Love and passion for the job reflect in your work. You grow alongside the company and achieve success together. Just be yourself and always pursue the opportunity to work in a company filled with great people. I am living my dream—you can too.”
