Discourse Analysis of the Turkish Local Elections on March 31, 2024, on National TV Channels

Abstract

Television programming is one of the most important actors in presenting to the public the mood of election night and the outcomes. Using live links, images, comments, and analysis from party headquarters and polling sites, the channels bring viewers' curiosity and excitement about the election results to life. A thorough source of analysis and information, election night and TV broadcasts feature comments from observers, political analysts, and journalists. The broadcasts discuss the election campaigns of the candidates and parties. These broadcasts also feature exclusive interviews and research. This study examined the discourse produced by national television channels in their news programs, evaluating the election results for the Turkey Local Election on the evening of March 31, 2024. Following the overturn of the election propaganda ban, the study limited its application to three national news stations airing between 9:00 p.m. and 1100 p.m. on election day. The study scrutinized the discourse that emerged during the election results presentation, drawing from the election evaluation news programs of Haberturk, CNN TURK, and TRT channels. According to the study's conclusions, two private and one state channel evaluated the circumstances rather than offering commentary when announcing the election results. During election night, all three channels presented their assessments of the situation, as well as remarks made by the guests they hosted. An additional finding from the analysis is that the guests' interpretations of the election outcomes are consistent in the arguments they make and the subjects they emphasize. For instance, nearly all the guests criticize the current state of the economy for the opposition's victory in the election. Furthermore, despite this being a local election, there is a consensus that the public expressed their disapproval of current policies during this local election, as opposed to the general election. Another conclusion is that rather than offering commentary, the program hosts instantly communicate and assess the results.