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Why some Turkish media rejoice at negative economic data

Glossing over unpleasant economic news has become a notable trend in the Turkish media as the country heads to local elections in the grips of economic woes.
A stallholder sells fruits at a bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey January 30, 2016. Inflation has become Turkey's biggest economic challenge, hitting the pockets of ordinary people even as President Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling party have built their reputation largely on economic growth and stability. Picture taken January 30, 2016. REUTERS/Murad Sezer  - GF10000296837
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As Turkey grapples with a serious economic downturn, some in the Turkish media display a novel propensity to present negative economic news in a positive light. The coverage they offer is often the opposite of what the economic data signal. Indicators pointing to recession are portrayed as positive developments, and negative data such as high inflation are transformed into good news. Leading this trend of glossing over ill-auguring figures are media outlets close to the government.

One of the most striking examples pertains to inflation. In 2018, consumer prices in Turkey shot up 20.3%, atop an increase of 11.92% in 2017. Last year’s inflation was the highest since 2002, when the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power. In 2003, the AKP’s first full year in power, consumer inflation hit 18.4% and never exceeded 20% in the ensuing years.

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