Medya News Podcast

In her new book Alle journalistiek is activisme ("All Journalism Is Activism"), journalist Fréderike Geerdink credits Kurdish reporters—susturulamayanlar, “those who cannot be silenced”—for reshaping her understanding of power, truth, and the role of journalism. Their fearless reporting helped her move from so-called objectivity toward advocacy for justice.

Medya News’ political podcast welcomes Jan van Aken of Germany’s Left Party, a long-standing supporter of Kurdish rights, to discuss the recent peace call by Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK's dissolution, and Europe’s potential role in supporting dialogue and democratic transition in Turkey. In a powerful moment of clarity, van Aken warns: “Without Öcalan’s involvement, there will be no lasting peace.”

Fréderike Geerdink argues that with US sanctions on Syria lifted, Turkey could pursue an economic incursion into Rojava — not with tanks, but with construction firms, telecoms and Turkish liras. Could this capitalist offensive undermine Kurdish autonomy in Northeast Syria?

In an exclusive video interview and podcast on Political Dialogue with Erem Kansoy by Medya News, Declan Kearney—National Chairperson for Sinn Féin —offers an in-depth discussion on Ireland’s long and arduous journey to self-determination while drawing striking parallels with the Kurdish struggle for freedom.

Meghan Bodette, expert researcher and Research Director at Kurdish Peace Institute based in Washinton D.C., breaks down the shifting US policy in Syria, the future of the SDF, and the possible consequences of a US withdrawal. She warns that a premature exit could reignite conflict, embolden ISIS, and escalate tensions with Turkey.

Heike Geisweid, lawyer and co-chair of Germany's MAF-DAD Association for Democracy and Law, talks to Medya News about the upcoming Permanent People’s Tribunal Session on Rojava Against Turkey, which will be held in Brussels, to examine allegations of severe human rights violations and war crimes committed by Turkey and its allied forces in North and East Syria, known as Rojava.

In a recent episode of 'Political Dialogue' for Medya News, hosted by journalist Erem Kansoy, human rights expert Marion Böker delved into the challenges facing Kurdish communities, the democratic model in Rojava, and the broader implications for Middle East peace.

Sinam Mohamad, US Representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), analyses the humanitarian situation amid fighting in Aleppo (Heleb) and Shabha (Şehba), with thousands, many already displaced Kurds, forced to flee. She stresses the need for a dialogue for peace involing all parties in Syria, including representatives of the region's minorities, and urges international support for Kurdish self-defence forces.

Journalist Fréderike Geerdink reflects on Amedspor’s role as a symbol of Kurdish resistance, detailing fans’ resilience amid anti-Kurdish hostility in Turkish football. Through symbolic protests, Amedspor fans uphold Kurdish identity and challenge government oppression with unwavering solidarity.

Hilary Zhou, a community organiser with the Zimbabwe Peoples' Land Rights Movement, spoke to Medya News about the global influence of Abdullah Öcalan's ideas and the need for the Kurdish leader's immediate freedom.