US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to cut funding to the federally funded news organisation Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of being “anti-Trump” and “radical.”
A White House statement explained that the order aims to “ensure taxpayers are no longer footing the bill for radical propaganda” and included quotes from politicians and right-wing media that have criticised the broadcaster.
VOA, primarily a radio service, was established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda. It now reaches hundreds of millions of people worldwide every week.
Mike Abramowitz, VOA’s director, revealed that he and nearly all of the network’s 1,300 staff members have been placed on paid leave.
He expressed concern that the order would severely impact VOA’s ability to carry out its “vital mission,” particularly at a time when countries like Iran, China, and Russia are investing heavily in spreading false narratives to undermine the United States.
The National Press Club, a leading representative group for US journalists, said the order “undermines America’s long-standing commitment to a free and independent press”. It added:
<blockquote>
If an entire newsroom can be sidelined overnight, what does that say about the state of press freedom?
An entire institution is being dismantled piece by piece. This isn’t just a staffing decision – it’s a fundamental shift that endangers the future of independent journalism at VOA.
</blockquote>
The president’s order targets VOA’s parent company, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which also funds organizations such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia—services initially set up to counter communism.
The directive instructs managers to “reduce performance to the minimum presence and function required by law.”
VOA Studio 7 has long been a crucial alternative news source for Zimbabweans, where state-controlled media largely dominates.
The station has provided important coverage of political developments, governance, and social issues impacting the country’s citizens.
More: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvge4l109r3o">BBC</a>

Pindula News

Donald Trump stopped giving money to Voice of America, saying it's against him. VOA was made during World War II to fight Nazi lies. Now it helps lots of people get news. The boss of VOA said this order will hurt their work and help countries like Iran, China, and Russia spread lies. Many people worry this is not good for free press. This also affects other news groups that fight against communism. Now a radio station that helps people in Zimbabwe get good news might have less money to operate.

Trump Dismantles Voice Of America | VOA Broadcasts Studio 7 News In Zimbabwe

In the audio below, former Zimbabwean journalist Miriam Madziwa Sibanda says fake news is constraining the democratisation efforts. She notes that there is too much information circulated but is not aiding media in enhancing democracy. Fake news, as she notes, rob the reader or listener an opportunity to make an informed decision. Sibanda was speaking with VOA Zimbabwe Service’s Gibbs Dube. Listen:

<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" controls="controls" id="audio-94840-1" preload="none" style="width: 100%;"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FAKE-JOURNALISM.mp3?_=1" type="audio/mpeg"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FAKE-JOURNALISM.mp3">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FAKE-JOURNALISM.mp3</a></audio>
 
 
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More: <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/z/5791" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Voice Of America</a>

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