KASTAMONU, Türkiye – Born on October 18, 2002, in Kastamonu’s city center, journalism student Berat Kaan Yılmaz founded Spontane Medya Kastamonu as an independent digital local news initiative. In addition to leading the platform, he serves as a substitute board member of Kastamonu Gazeteciler Cemiyeti and as a representative of Gazeteciler ve Medyacılar Cemiyeti.
Q: Can you tell us about your educational background?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: I was born in Kastamonu city center. I completed primary school in Kastamonu, middle school in Antalya, and high school back in Kastamonu. Experiencing education in different cities helped me observe social and local dynamics from various perspectives.
Currently, I study Journalism at Kastamonu University and Media and Communication at Anadolu University. I aim to combine academic knowledge with practical field experience.
Q: How did the name “Spontane” emerge?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: The name emerged naturally. I consider myself a spontaneous person, and it was an idea that came to me instantly. It was not the result of a long branding process; rather, it reflected my personality and the fast, field-based approach of the platform.
Q: What was the most challenging period in your journalism journey?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: Being young and still a student sometimes led to exclusion and prejudice within the sector. However, instead of discouraging me, those experiences motivated me to work more consistently and professionally.
Q: What was your first turning point?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: I reported on a public safety issue where a transformer-equipped garbage container had been placed in the middle of a sidewalk. It created accessibility and safety concerns. After the report was published, the municipality intervened and resolved the issue. That moment showed me that local journalism can create tangible impact.
Q: What does your daily routine look like?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: I walk approximately 7 kilometers every day while balancing university education and news coverage. Sustaining an independent platform with limited resources requires discipline and consistency. I manage reporting, verification, content production, and digital operations largely on my own.
Q: What differentiates Spontane Medya Kastamonu from other local platforms?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: Independence and a field-based approach. The goal is not only to publish news but to contribute to public awareness and solution-oriented reporting.
Q: What are your views on young journalism in Türkiye?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: I believe young journalists in Türkiye are highly capable and productive. Many talented individuals are emerging from universities. However, there are still established perceptions and biases within the sector. Over time, through consistent and ethical work, I believe those perceptions will change.
Q: What does independence mean to you?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: Independence defines my character. In reporting and decision-making, I value acting freely and responsibly. I believe this understanding aligns with the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Independence is not only political; it is also about intellectual freedom and ethical responsibility.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Berat Kaan Yılmaz: Within five years, I aim to establish a more institutionalized and sustainable local media structure. I want Spontane Medya Kastamonu to become a reference model for independent regional journalism, while also expanding my professional impact at national and international levels.
Media İnfo
For more information: www.spontanemedya.com
Media Contact
Company Name: SpontanemedyaKastamonu
Contact Person: BERAT KAAN YILMAZ
Email: Send Email
Country: Turkey
Website: www.spontanemedya.com