VOA Shutdown Leaves 1,300 Jobless
• For the first time since 1942, Voice Of America (VOA) — established during World War II to broadcast uncensored information internationally to people living under the rule of restrictive regimes — has been silenced. The Washington Post‘s coverage states, simply: “The impact is huge: VOA and its affiliates reach 420 million people in 63 languages and more than 100 countries each week.”
Late Friday, President Trump issued an executive order that directed VOA and an array of federal offices to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” The tragic result: More than 1,300 journalists, producers and staff at VOA — including VOA Director Michael Abramowitz — received a weekend email stating they had placed on administrative leave. The email was sent by Crystal G. Thomas, Director of HR for the U.S. Agency of Global Affairs Media (USAGM) — the corporate parent of Voice Of America, Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. Staffers who showed up to work to broadcast their programs were locked out of the building.
In a statement provided to CBS News, Abramowitz said, “I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced. I learned this morning that virtually the entire staff of Voice of America—more than 1,300 journalists, producers and support staff — has been placed on administrative leave today. So have I.”
As reported by columnist Charlie Sykes, a post on Abramowitz’s personal Facebook page reads, “VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America’s story and by providing objective and balanced news and information, especially for those living under tyranny. Even if the agency survives in some form, the actions being taken today by the Administration will severely damage Voice of America’s ability to foster a world that is safe and free, and in doing so is failing to protect U.S. interests.”
For a deeper dive into the far-reaching effects of the silencing of this vital media outlet, please take the time to read Fred Jacobs‘ blog post, chillingly titled, “VOA RIFed.”
