The ‘AA Media Technologies Hackathon’, which featured an uninterrupted 48-hour in-person development phase, concluded with an award ceremony.

Sponsored by Turkcell, in collaboration with the Anadolu Agency (AA) and Bilişim Vadisi, the online phase successfully completed its teams’ projects, leading to a 48-hour in-person development phase at the AA Istanbul Office.

The award ceremony was attended by Serdar Karagöz, Chairman of the Board and General Director of AA, Erkam Tüzgen, General Manager of Bilişim Vadisi, and AA Deputy General Managers Yusuf Özhan and Oğuz Enis Peru. The jury, consisting of Fırat Yurdakul, Director of Visual News at AA, Hüseyin Yılmaz, Director of Turkish News, Emre Cebişli, Director of System and Cyber Security, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Göktürk from the Technology Evaluation Board of Bilişim Vadisi, and Sezen Felekoğlu, Manager of Turkcell AI & NLP Technologies, evaluated the projects.

After the evaluation, the first-place team was ‘Deepmind,’ which developed a special multi-foreign language subtitle plugin for videos with artificial intelligence support. The second-place team was ‘Hüma,’ which aimed to enhance the video quality of live broadcasts simultaneously using artificial intelligence. The third-place team was ‘Med Visionaries,’ which developed a facial recognition system with a single photograph.

Serdar Karagöz presented the award to the first-place team, Erkam Tüzgen to the second-place team, and Sezen Felekoğlu to the third-place team.

In his speech at the ceremony, Karagöz highlighted the common use of two concepts, stating that media serves the purpose of providing news flow, information, education, and influencing societies, while technology is a set of tools used to solve real-life problems. He emphasized the symbiosis between media and technology, defining it as the child of the digital age, underlining the mutual dependence and complementary relationship between them. Karagöz noted that technology accelerates access to information through media but also increases the responsibility to discern accurate information.

Referring to the 2023 Digital News Report by Oxford University and the Reuters Institute, Karagöz pointed out a noteworthy trend. The report indicated that in 2017, 63% of people worldwide showed significant interest in news, but by 2023, this percentage had dropped to 48%.

Serdar Karagöz, today, stated that they were together in the final stage of the Anadolu Agency Media Technologies Hackathon and emphasized the significance of this hackathon, where over 400 participants and 133 teams from all over Turkey applied, as a crucial milestone in the search for solutions in the media sector. Karagöz mentioned that the selected 16 teams and participants worked on providing strategic solutions to the most important issues in the media and technology field during the intensive online development period from January 8 to February 2. He also stated that during this process, they guided the teams with a mentor team consisting of industry experts.

Emirhan Geçer, a member of the Deepmind team, which completed the uninterrupted 48-hour in-person development period as the first in the AA Media Technologies Hackathon, expressed their happiness for achieving the first place. He said, “It was a one-month process, but the last 48 hours were very intense. We were well-prepared, and there were many sleepless nights because we were involved in the project.”

Efe Öztürkan also expressed their unexpected joy for winning the first place and stated that they were very happy to receive the reward for the sleepless nights they had. Providing information about their project, Öztürkan said, “With our project, we provide a foreign language subtitle plugin specifically for videos. Additionally, we operate the tag system accordingly. Thus, a desired tag can be easily added to a desired video through artificial intelligence.

The realms of coding and media technologies await your creative genius! An exciting opportunity unfolds as Anadolu Agency and Bilişim Vadisi join forces to launch a groundbreaking Hackathon. The goal is to breathe life into innovations addressing the pressing needs of the media sector. Your ideas and your team are sought-after assets. Seize the chance to solve crucial issues in our industry, propelling both yourself and our nation forward. Waste no time; submit your application now and embark on a journey of problem-solving with your team. 

Themes:

1. Editorial Enhancements and Natural Language Processing (NLP): Design a concept that leverages artificial intelligence and NLP to address the operational and editorial needs of journalism. Join the competition!
2. Visual Content and Identification: Media thrives on visuals. If image processing, object recognition, and related technologies capture your interest, shape your idea and dive into innovation!
3. Automatic Data Collection and Processing: Delve into the essence of journalism—gathering information. If collecting data from various sources and extracting meaningful insights fascinates you, design your concept and join the innovation!
4. Technology and Content Transformation: Whether it’s expediting data transfer to subscribers or developing technology to digitize century-old news typewritten by the agency, if these ideas excite you, craft your concept and participate!

Focus Technologies:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Speech-to-Text Conversion
• Image Processing

(Note: The mentioned technologies serve as inspiration; there are no restrictions on the technologies you can use.)

Prizes:

• 1st Team Members:
  • MacBook Pro
• 2nd Team Members:
  • iPad Pro
• 3rd Team Members:
  • AirPods Pro
• Top Teams:
  • 6 Months Free Membership at Bilişim Vadisi Incubation Center

Opportunities for All Teams:

• Access to ChatGPT 4 during the competition
• Transportation support for 48 hours at AA’s office
• Mentoring in Media Technologies, Entrepreneurship, Editorial Guidance, and Natural Language Processing

About the Hackathon: An initiative hosted by Anadolu Agency and in collaboration with Bilişim Vadisi, the Media Technologies Hackathon aims to promote technological advancements in the media sector and facilitate the development of applications that streamline the news production process.

Who Can Participate? Anyone aged 18 and above with software development skills and confidence can participate.

Team Composition: Teams can consist of 1 to 4 members.

Hackathon Duration: The Media Technologies Hackathon kicks off online on January 8, 2024, lasting for a total of one month. The final 48 hours will be conducted physically at Anadolu Agency’s office in Istanbul.

How to Apply and Evaluation: Participants can apply, and the evaluation results will be communicated via email. The physical stage will involve a presentation before the jury on February 4, 2024, where your submission will be evaluated based on the technical specifications provided during application.

Logistics and Communication: Transportation expenses for teams outside Istanbul will be covered by Anadolu Agency. The hackathon will utilize a dedicated Discord server for communication, mentorship, collaboration, and announcements.

Conclusion: The Media Technologies Hackathon promises a month of intensive innovation, where participants can contribute to the evolution of the media sector, and top performers stand a chance to win prestigious prizes and incubation center memberships. Join the competition and be a catalyst for transformative change in the world of media and technology!

Application Period: December 13 – 30, 2023
Online Competition: January 8 – February 1, 2024
48-Hour Competition at AA: February 2-3-4, 2024
Award Ceremony: February 4, 2024

The forum on ‘Managing Artificial Intelligence in Media,’ organized by Anadolu in collaboration with Bilişim Vadisi and sponsored by Turkcell, took place with a focus on the transformation of media through artificial intelligence and the creation of an ethical usage guide. Anadolu Agency’s General Manager, Serdar Karagöz, emphasized the impact and significance of artificial intelligence on the media, highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages. Karagöz also discussed how artificial intelligence can be employed against the risks of disinformation and manipulation.

Another crucial agenda item of the forum was the creation of an ‘Ethical Usage Guide for Artificial Intelligence in Media.’ Participants engaged in discussions to exchange ideas for the development of this guide. The forum explored how artificial intelligence can be utilized in media production processes and its potential influence on communication, politics, and societal life

Minister says over 2,300 AI companies operating in Turkish technoparks.

Türkiye supported more than 3,700 artificial intelligence projects in last 21 years, according to Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir. 

“In the last 21 years, we have supported more than 3,700 projects and given 6.7 billion lira ($230,000) to more than 1,300 people in the field of AI. Today, more than 2,300 artificial intelligence companies operate in our technoparks,” Kacir said at Anadolu’s Managing Al in Media program in Ankara.

‘We need to be bold in making use of artificial intelligence in media,’

‘We need to be bold in making use of artificial intelligence in media,’ Fahrettin Altun tells forum organized by Anadolu in Ankara.

Digital media literacy should be updated for the use of artificial intelligence in the industry, Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said on Wednesday.

Addressing the Managing Al in Media forum organized by Anadolu in Ankara, Altun said: “If we want to manage the use of artificial intelligence in the media, we must update digital media literacy to include artificial intelligence strategies and make it publicly accessible.”

To watch the forum: 
– Opening Speeches
– First Session
– Second Session
– Third Session

Anadolu Agency (AA) is offering scholarships to support two master’s and two doctoral students conducting research on topics related to AA for their theses.

The scholarships aim to contribute to the academic and professional development as well as career planning of the recipients while enhancing AA’s presence in the academic field. The scholarships will support master’s and doctoral theses focusing on AA.

Within this framework, two master’s and two doctoral students will receive scholarships throughout their academic journeys. The monthly scholarship award, during the course and thesis period, will be 25,000 liras ($870) for doctoral students, and 12,500 liras ($436) for master’s students.

Applications for the research scholarship in the master’s program will be accepted only from domestic applicants. During the application process, applicants are required to submit their master’s student certificate, two letters of recommendation, a thesis topic proposal form, and an intent letter. An English language score of at least 80 from the YDS exam, or 90 from a TOEFL test taken in the last two years is also needed.

For the doctoral program, both domestic and international applicants can apply. The requirements include submitting a thesis topic proposal form, a doctoral student certificate, two letters of recommendation, and an intent letter. Applicants must have obtained a minimum score of 80 in YDS or 90 in TOEFL within the last two years.

Applications for AA’s research scholarships can be submitted until March 31, 2024. For detailed information about the scholarships, interested individuals can contact the numbers “0312 999 25 82 – 0312 999 25 87” or visit the  website.

Visit the kariyer.aa.com.tr website for application and detailed information.

Anadolu Agency (AA), the Turkish Police Academy, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) jointly organised the two-week course, which aims to train newsmen to cover wars, disasters, and other extraordinary situations.

In a collaborative endeavor involving Anadolu, the Police Academy, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the 24th term of war journalism training has commenced. This two-week course assembles 10 Anadolu staff members and 15 participants from various countries, with a shared goal of preparing correspondents for missions in war zones, disaster-stricken areas, and other extraordinary situations.

The initiation of the training period was marked with a special ceremony held at Anadolu’s headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye’s capital city.

Journalists as Peacekeepers

Alptekin Cihangir Isbilir, Director of the AA News Academy, addressed the attendees, highlighting that the role of journalists transcends mere documentation of wars and conflicts. Journalists also play a crucial part in raising early warning mechanisms, preventing conflicts, and minimizing civilian casualties.

Global Escalation of Conflicts

Isbilir underscored the alarming surge in global conflicts and extraordinary situations. Notably, he pointed out the Israel-Palestine conflict, which saw the tragic loss of 46 journalists, including four women, who were covering the escalating crisis.

A Partnership for Training Excellence

Fatih Inal, Deputy Director of the Police Academy, detailed the long-standing collaboration between Anadolu and the Police Academy in organizing war journalism training. Over 24 terms, this initiative has successfully trained 508 media professionals for work in war zones and challenging environments.

Comprehensive Training

The training program covers essential skills for war correspondents, including resilience-building, advanced driving techniques for challenging terrains, guidance on handling explosive materials and ballistic vests, and fostering teamwork to cope with potential abductions and interrogations.

Sharing Experience with the World

Mustafa Hasim Polat, Coordinator of Training Projects at TIKA, emphasized the agency’s mission of sharing Türkiye’s experience with friendly nations. He highlighted the profound impact of regional problems in areas such as Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine and the significant role journalists play in addressing these critical issues. Polat stressed the importance of distinguishing between propaganda and genuine news, urging trainees to focus on reporting the truth.

A Joint Commitment to Truth

As the event concluded, with the presence of officials from various agencies, it reinforced the importance of accurate, truthful, and safe journalism, particularly during conflicts and crises.
This training program aims to equip more journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to report from the frontlines, share stories accurately, and contribute to a better understanding of critical global issues.

The second edition of the 2023 Istanbul Photo Awards, an international news photography competition organized by Anadolu, opened Wednesday in New York. The exhibition will run through Nov. 8 at the Blue Gallery.

A Glimpse into the World of Photography: Istanbul Photo Awards Exhibition

Recently, the prestigious Istanbul Photo Awards Exhibition opened its doors to visitors, providing a captivating view of the world through the lens of talented photographers. The event, hosted at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, was attended by notable figures from various fields, including president and CEO of Anadolu, Serdar Karagoz, New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein and Reyhan Ozgur, the Turkish Consul General in New York, as well as foreign representatives, academics and prominent figures in the photography world.

Celebrating Exceptional Photography

The exhibition, organized with the support of Nikon Türkiye, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), and Turkish Airlines, spotlights the remarkable works of 29 photographers who received awards in the 9th edition of the competition. These photographers skillfully captured moments from around the world, presenting a rich tapestry of global events. Visitors had the chance to explore diverse photographs, spanning topics such as the Ukraine-Russia war, events in Palestine, child trafficking in Nigeria, environmental changes due to lithium, wildlife studies in Thailand, the World Cup in Qatar, bullfights in Portugal, icebreakers in the Arctic Sea, and portraits of albinos on the African continent.

Honoring the Best Photographers

This year, 29 photographers were recognized across 10 categories, and the prestigious “Photo of the Year” award was presented to Sergey Kozlov, a photographer from the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), for his captivating work titled “Ukraine-Russia War,” as judged by the international panel.

“AA has always believed in the power of photography since its establishment.”

During the opening of the exhibition, AA’s President and CEO, Serdar Karagoz, emphasized the significance of photography as an integral part of news and its role in capturing moments. He mentioned AA’s extensive visual archive and collaborations with international photo agencies. Karagoz highlighted AA’s production of about 4,000 photos daily, taken by their photojournalists, and how these images often become symbolic representations of global events. He also discussed the success of the Istanbul Photo Awards, which, in its 9th year, has become a prestigious international competition with 16,000 registered photographers from around the world submitting photos in various categories.

A Deeper Cultural Understanding

Edward Mermelstein, the Commissioner for International Affairs of New York City, extended his congratulations to the organizers, participants, and winners of the competition. He underlined that the exhibition represents a significant art form that sheds light on vital global issues. Mermelstein emphasized the essential role of Anadolu’s photography competition in narrating important stories and fostering a deeper cultural understanding.

AA: A Trusted Global News Source

Reyhan Ozgur, the Turkish Consul General in New York, highlighted the enduring significance of the competition and exhibition, noting that the photographs become a part of history. He praised Anadolu for its unique position among global news agencies, crediting the company’s evolution into a trusted brand known for reliability and credibility as a news source.

Looking to the Future

The Istanbul Photo Awards Exhibition is a remarkable testament to the power of visual storytelling. As the event concluded, Serdar Karagoz announced that the next exhibition would soon take place in London. For more information about the competition and to view the award-winning photos, you can visit Istanbul Photo Awards.