Trump's move to defund US broadcasting stirs global concern
Donald Trump signed an order mandating the reduction of activities of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. This decision could hinder the fight for democracy in Belarus.
The decision to halt funding was made on Saturday under an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. After more than 75 years of operation, broadcasts of several publicly funded radio and TV stations, including Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), were suspended.
All VOA journalists were sent on mandatory leave, and Radio Free Europe was informed about the cessation of funding by USAGM.
These media employ over 2,000 staff members, have a budget of approximately $366 million CAD (based on current exchange rates), and broadcast in 49 languages to an audience estimated at 361 million people weekly. Voice of America has been operating since 1942, and Radio Free Europe since 1950.
According to "The New York Times", Trump's decision may lead to the dismantling of the institution established by Congress, which raises controversies and "tests the limits of his authority".
François Viačorka, Belarusian oppositionist and advisor to Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, emphasizes the significance of Radio Free Europe for Belarus.
Viačorka, who spent seven years working at the station, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining the Belarusian editorial office, given Lukashenko’s ongoing crackdown on independent media.
Viačorka hopes that the European Union will help maintain the broadcasts. He points out the role of the U.S. Congress, which funds Radio Free Europe. - In theory, it is Congress that has the right to decide on closing or restoring funding for the radio station - he notes.
According to Viačorka, the potential shutdown of Radio Free Europe would be a huge loss for Belarus and the democratic world. - It is a symbol of the free world that gives Belarus hope that there is something worth fighting for - he emphasizes.
Reporters Without Borders. U.S. decision threatens journalists' safety
RSF reminded in a statement that nine journalists from media under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) are currently in prisons in Russia, Belarus, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
The organization called on the international community to mobilize for their release and to guarantee the safety of all USAGM journalists working worldwide.
French public media from the holding France Médias Monde and the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle also expressed concern. They jointly emphasized that suspending USAGM's activities could lead to the disappearance of a "barrier against disinformation and manipulation" in countries where people do not have access to balanced and verified information or it is limited.
