A statement released by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) said the two outlets did not comply with “the law” and did not apply for a license within the required period. It said the pair were both told they needed a broadcasting license in February.
The RTUK argued the two websites needed broadcasting license because because they have “program” sections.
Deutsche Welle is German public, state-owned international broadcaster, funded by German taxpayers. Voice of America is run by the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), a government agency which is funded by the US Congress. The two websites have not been accessible in Turkey since Thursday.
DW said in a statement that it did not comply with the rules because “licensing would have allowed the Turkish government to censor editorial content.”
DW Director General Peter Limbourg said the company explained to RTUK why…
