Turkey blocks access to Deutsche Welle, Voice of America for not getting licenses -official

Turkey's RTUK media watchdog has blocked access to U.S.-based Voice of America and German broadcaster

Turkey's RTUK media watchdog has blocked access to U.S.-based Voice of America and German broadcaster Deutsche Welle for not applying for the licenses it requests, Qazet.az reports according to a member of the watchdog.

Ilhan Tasci, an RTUK board member from the main opposition CHP, said on Twitter that access to Deutsche Welle's Turkish-language service, DW Turkce, and VOA had been blocked by a court decision.

"Access to DW Turkce and Voice of America, which did not apply for licenses, has been blocked by the Ankara Criminal Court of Peace, upon the request of the RTUK board," Tasci said.

"Here is your freedom of press and advanced democracy!" he added.

The vast majority of Turkey's mainstream media outlets are seen as close to the government, with coverage favouring President Tayyip Erdogan and his allies. Turks have increasingly resorted to alternative outlets, some foreign-owned, and social media for news.