Voice of America (VOA), founded in 1942, serves a critical role in providing news in nearly 50 languages to over 354 million people weekly. Its mission emphasizes truth and comprehensive coverage. However, President Trump's recent executive order limits the U.S. Agency for Global Media's activities significantly, threatening the funding and operation of VOA. Following the order, VOA's staff was largely placed on leave, cutting off access to crucial communication channels. Consequently, some affiliate stations have ceased broadcasting VOA content and may now feature programming from state-run media, undermining its mission of promoting independent journalism against authoritarian influences.
"On Friday, Trump signed an executive order that called for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, to eliminate all activities to 'the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.'"
"Michael Abramowitz, the director of VOA, said he was placed on leave, along with 'virtually the entire staff' of 1,300."
"As French noted, 'In other cases, radio, television and digital outlets that used Voice of America programming will remain online but without contributions from the United States.'"
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