Status: 07/01/2022 03:26 am
Internet access to Deutsche Welle’s programming has been blocked in Turkey. The reason given by the supervisory authority was a missing broadcasting license. Voice of America is also no longer available.
The Turkish Broadcasting Authority (RTÜK) has blocked access to Deutsche Welle in Turkey. “Access to the Turkish-language service of Deutsche Welle (DW), DW Turkce, and Voice of America (VOA), which have not applied for permits, has been blocked by the Criminal Court in Ankara at the request of the RTÜK board,” said Ilhan Tasci, board member of RTÜK, on Twitter with.
A blocking of the Internet offers had been expected, DW, VOA and other foreign broadcasters have been threatened with it for months. In February, RTÜK announced, citing the country’s media regulation law, that broadcasters would have to apply for licenses for on-demand offerings. DW had announced that it would take legal action against it.
Extensive powers of media supervision
The Islamic conservative government in Turkey has tightened media supervision in recent years by giving RTÜK extensive supervision of Internet platforms that distribute films, videos or radio content. The authority can also have content removed. Representatives close to the government have a majority in the RTÜK body. Turkish media are largely under government control or are close to the government.