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New SAT-7 TÜRK parenting and relationship programs Family Unity and Parents are Asking are receiving a strong response from a growing audience on social media. SAT-7 strives to show viewers what Christ-centered love in family relationships looks like, providing a unique Christian perspective on various challenges facing families today.
“This year, we have launched two exciting family-oriented programs designed for social media,” says Gülsüm I., Deputy Executive Director of SAT-7 TÜRK. “We are already encouraged by the large number of viewers who are engaging with the programs.”
New social media program Family Unity presented by married couple Şemsa Deniz Bakır and Kanivar Bakır
Family Unity, which launched earlier this month, is presented by married couple Şemsa Deniz Bakır and Kanivar Bakır. “Unfortunately, during the pandemic restrictions, we saw a huge increase in domestic abuse in Turkey,” says Kanivar. “Through this program, we hope to show viewers that healthy family unity is possible.”
“We want to share our own experiences, including the challenges we face, while sharing God’s grace with our viewers,” adds Şemsa, who also presents the satellite program Homemade. “Of course, we will argue as a couple, and people will have different views when issues occur in the family. But when we place God at the center of our family, He can guide our relationships with peace and love.”
As well as presenting a Christian perspective on these issues, the couple invite viewers to send in comments and questions during the show. In its first episode, the program received more than 100 comments. “What a beautiful and unique program. God led me to watch Family Unity, and it really resonates with me,” shared one viewer.
On the set of the new program Parents Are Asking
The new parenting discussion program Parents are Asking is also receiving a strong response. Presenter Nora Yazırlıoğlu explains that parents are not only watching in large numbers – with one episode receiving 50,000 views of over three seconds on Facebook –they are growing in their understanding as they engage. “We are seeing our audience move from asking, ‘Why is my child like this?’ to looking for solutions and better ways to connect with their children and address issues. They are recognizing the role parents play in solving problems,” says Nora.
Turkish parents are especially in need of support after the COVID-19 pandemic, in which many struggled to work from home while keeping children entertained and educated. Parents are Asking tackles critical issues, including protecting children from abuse, helping children deal with anger, and helping them grow in self-confidence. Viewers can engage with the program by sending a message or commenting on Facebook or WhatsApp. These comments are then read on-air and discussed by Nora and her co-host, psychologist Dença Demir. “What can a parent or teacher do if they see a child who has problems with self-esteem in elementary school?” one viewer wonders, while another asks, “What can we do to prevent children from being bullied?”
Melih Ekener, Executive Director of SAT-7 TÜRK, explains the research that -supports the new strategy. “We first reflect on the main trends in our country, so that the social media programs we create meet our viewers’ needs, reach out to more viewers, and engage with them to achieve impact across the region,” he says.
SAT-7 TÜRK’s new social media programming is also part of a broader SAT-7 digital strategy to reach more viewers by creating engaging content that is accessible through different platforms. “We are continuing our work towards changing and impacting the lives of our viewers, one step at a time,” says Gülsüm.
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