Julianne Cobbs
Kari Lake, senior adviser to former President Trump, announced a significant shift in the Voice of America’s programming, revealing that the agency will incorporate news reports from the far-right One America News Network. Lake stated this initiative aims to provide reliable and credible news options for foreign audiences, asserting it will save American taxpayers money.
Critics, including former U.S. Agency for Global Media officials, condemned the move as a mockery of the agency’s history of independent journalism. The Voice of America, which serves over 360 million people weekly, was established to provide unbiased news and to model democratic values. However, since March, Lake has placed nearly the entire workforce on indefinite leave, and the agency’s broadcasts have been effectively silenced.
Lake’s announcement follows a series of controversial actions, including the cancellation of contracts with major news organizations that previously supplemented Voice of America’s reporting. The network’s future remains uncertain, as multiple lawsuits from journalists and advocacy groups challenge Lake’s authority and actions.
Amidst these developments, Lake celebrated a recent appellate ruling that favored the administration, further complicating the landscape for Voice of America. As the agency seeks to navigate these turbulent waters, staffers remain concerned about the implications of aligning with OAN and the broader impact on journalistic integrity.
Carol Cobb
Alvin Bailey