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CPJ Urges U.S. Congress to Safeguard VOA and RFE/RL Amid Trump Administration’s Media Overhaul
March 15, 2025
March 15, 2025 – USA –
The Trump administration took drastic steps by freezing operations and cutting funding for major U.S.-funded international media outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Radio Free Asia (RFA). This decision resulted in over 1,300 VOA employees being placed on administrative leave and the suspension of broadcasts in key regions such as Asia and the Middle East.
The sudden layoffs affected many journalists and staff, with contracts terminated by the end of March. Some VOA channels were forced to replace news programming with music due to the operational halt. This move has raised alarms among press freedom advocates and international observers, who warn that reducing these independent news sources could embolden authoritarian regimes and weaken the global flow of unbiased information.
Legal challenges swiftly followed. A federal judge temporarily blocked the shutdown of VOA and RFA, citing concerns that the administration’s executive order violated congressional appropriations laws. However, the shutdown of RFE/RL and the Open Technology Fund continued, deepening fears about the long-term viability of independent U.S.-backed journalism.
Public radio outlets like NPR and Colorado stations filed lawsuits against the administration, arguing the cuts infringe on First Amendment rights and undermine congressional authority. Meanwhile, international reactions were critical. The European Union expressed concern that the freeze would reduce access to reliable news in regions dominated by authoritarian governments, where propaganda often fills the void left by the absence of independent media.
Critics argue that the shutdown weakens U.S. soft power and its ability to promote democracy and press freedom worldwide. In authoritarian countries, millions may now lose access to trustworthy information, potentially increasing the influence of state-controlled media narratives.
The Trump administration’s media freeze marks a sharp shift in U.S. foreign policy on global journalism. While court battles continue, the cuts have already disrupted the work of hundreds of journalists and raised urgent questions about the future of free, independent media supported by the United States on the world stage.
Reference –
https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20250317-trump-mass-layoffs-voice-of-america
