**VOA on Brink of Collapse: 800 Employees to Be Terminated Amid Funding Cuts**
The Voice of America (VOA) is on the verge of collapse, with approximately 800 remaining full-time employees expected to receive termination notices this week. This move comes as a result of the Trump administration’s significant funding cuts to the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA.
**Cuts and Layoffs: A Pattern Emerges**
On March 15, the Trump administration gutted funding for USAGM, leading to widespread layoffs and budget cuts. In an email obtained by the Kyiv Independent, employees at VOA were instructed not to enter USAGM premises or access their systems. Over 1,300 journalists, producers, and support staff working at VOA were placed on administrative leave. This pattern of cutting funding and personnel has been repeated earlier this month when about 600 contractors working for VOA received termination notices.
**A Blow to Independent Journalism**
VOA was founded in 1942 with the mission of broadcasting news and information in almost 50 languages around the world. The outlet’s independence and commitment to fact-based journalism have made it a valuable asset to audiences worldwide. Amid attempts by journalists to overturn the decision to gut funding, a US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore all employees and contractors at VOA on April 22. However, last week, a federal appeals court overturned this decision, allowing the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the network to proceed.
**A Victory for Authoritarian Propaganda**
The Trump administration’s crackdown on VOA has been celebrated by Russian propagandists, who welcomed the cuts to the network. This move is seen as a victory for authoritarian propaganda and a blow to independent journalism. The US president has long criticized U.S.-funded media organizations, referring to them as “fake news.” With this latest development, it seems that his efforts to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices are gaining momentum.
**The Future of VOA: Uncertain**
As the termination notices are sent out, the future of VOA hangs in the balance. Will the outlet be able to survive these cuts and continue to serve as a beacon of independent journalism? Or will it succumb to the pressure from the Trump administration and fade away? One thing is certain – this development marks a significant setback for press freedom and the dissemination of accurate information worldwide.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
