Issues discussed were the future of publishing, digital options, developments in copyright, changes in the book supply chain, importance of a fixed book price system, and reading culture in Turkey. The event reached 500 viewers on Zoom webinar and Youtube livestream together.
Kenan Kocatürk, President of the Turkish Publishers Association, stated in his opening remarks that infringements in copyright have reached very high levels during the pandemic and publishers have had to defend their copyright even more these days. He also emphasized the importance of the freedom to publish and freedom of expression, saying that advocating for these are among the most important duties of publishers.
Hugo Setzer, President of the International Publishers Association, in his pre-recorded opening remarks, stated that the publishing industry needs to remain vigilant that the exceptional circumstances are not used to try to erode core parts of the industry, like copyright law or the freedom to publish.
Recordings of the assembly can be watched (in Turkish, except for international messages) on the Turkish Publishers Association’s Youtube channel:
1st Day, 25 June 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BwevwvhFf4
2nd Day, 26 June 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Lbp1IdX5Y