Reform Voice of America, don’t kill it

For over eight years — until just two weeks ago — I proudly opened my radio and TV broadcasts with the words: “This is Voice of America from Washington.” People often made sarcastic remarks, accusing me of producing “U.S. propaganda,” both in America and abroad. But I, an adamant believer that America is a force for good in the world, was never bothered by these critiques. The work of my colleagues at VOA centers on truthful journalism designed to reach people in countries where balanced reporting is lacking or outright banned. Throughout my entire time at VOA, nobody ever interfered with or influenced my coverage. I left the agency simply because it was time for a change.

This experience leads me to lament President Donald Trump’s March 15 executive order to put many VOA employees and those of its parent organization, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, on administrative leave. This effectively shuts down VOA/USAGM operations. Trump has made a mistake here.