Turkey's top media watchdog removes broadcaster Rudaw based in northern Iraq from satellite

ANKARA

The Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has decided to remove broadcaster Rudaw, which is affiliated to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, from its satellite broadcasting on the same day voting took place on an independence referendum in the KRG.

The council made the decision at an extraordinary meeting in the capital Ankara on Sept. 25. 

Turkey vowed to take several steps against the KRG if the referendum were held. 

An official at the RTÜK said Rudaw was being removed from the satellite provider, but Rudaw wasn't aware of it.

"We have only heard about the decision through the media. Türksat has not notified us yet. So we are still on air, but the broadcast may be halted when we are notified," a Rudaw television official told Reuters.