The Trump administration has made a big cut in many media organizations provided by the government in the US. In protest, all the employees of the Voice of America (VOA) have gone on a paid leave. The move has been taken after President Donald Trump’s order to cut the functioning of agencies under the US Agency for Global Media.
The financial cuts made after Congress allowed its latest funding bill also had an impact on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and Radio Marty. They provide independent news to countries such as China, Russia and Cuba.
In a statement posted on LinkedIn, VOA director Michael Abramovitz confirmed the cuts and said, “I am very sad that for the first time in 83 years, Voice of America is being silenced.”
More than 1300 VOA journalists will affect
He told that more than 1300 journalists, producers and support staff have been on leave. “VOA promotes freedom and democracy worldwide, especially for those living under opinion, especially by showing America’s story and providing balanced news and information.”
Michael further said that many of them came to America from the dictatorial countries, where they could not freely study journalism.
Kerry Lake gave a hint of cuts
Trump’s recently appointed senior adviser Kerry Lake hinted at a cut by urging employees to check their email by a post on Saturday morning.
Shortly afterwards, employees received official instructions in which they were put on a paid administrative leave and directed to refund their equipment announced by the government.
Reporters Vidhout Borders condemned the decision and called it a “departure from the historic role of America as the protector of free information.” Stephen Capse, president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, warned that cancellation of funding for these networks would be “a big gift for American enemies”.
Media organizations condemned the Trump government’s decision
After the Cold War, VOA and its partner organizations have been important to face dictatorial propaganda, including USAID, reaching about 427 million people worldwide.
Thomas Kent, a former head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, warned that removing this platform could go into the hands of its opponents.
The Trump administration has previously demanded further control over VOA. Canceled contracts with independent news agencies like AP and banned access to the media pool. But they have no mention of its impact on the widespread mission of journalists or VOAs. Currently, VOA employees are on Paid Leave.
