Nicole Hemmer, a political historian and co-host of "This Day," discusses the significant funding cuts to Voice of America and their historical implications for press freedom. Dorian Lynskey, a cultural journalist and author of "Everything Must Go," dives into humanity's obsession with end-of-the-world narratives, linking them to contemporary anxieties about climate change and social instability. Together, they explore how these stories reveal our deepest fears and the vital importance of independent journalism in preserving truth in a chaotic world.
Funding cuts to Voice of America compromise press freedom globally, enabling authoritarian regimes to flourish without accountability.
Historically rooted in combating propaganda, Voice of America’s decline signifies a troubling retreat from U.S. commitment to democratic values and independent journalism.
Deep dives
Impact of Funding Cuts on International Broadcasters
Recent funding cuts have severely impacted numerous state media organizations, particularly Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe. These cuts have left the VOA effectively silent, creating a vacuum of unbiased news in regions like Russia, Ukraine, and China that rely on such services for information. The reductions threaten the flow of accurate reporting in these areas, allowing disinformation and propaganda from authoritarian regimes to flourish. Jodi Ginsberg from the Committee to Protect Journalists emphasizes that these developments pose significant risks not only to public knowledge but also to U.S. national security.
Historical Significance of Voice of America
Voice of America has a rich history, established during World War II to provide truthful information amid the rise of fascism. Initially broadcasting in multiple languages, it aimed to showcase American culture, including jazz, as a symbol of freedom and democracy. The founding philosophy emphasized the importance of accurate news, as lying would undermine trust. Over the decades, VOA evolved to model a free press, especially in countries transitioning from totalitarian regimes, reinforcing the significance of independent journalism.
Challenges for Journalists in Authoritarian Regimes
Journalists at Radio Free Asia have faced harsh consequences for their commitment to reporting in repressive environments. For example, a Uyghur reporter's investigations into government detention camps revealed human rights abuses, leading to inhumane repercussions for their families. Meanwhile, several RFA journalists have operated under anonymity in countries like Myanmar, risking their lives to report the truth. Such dangerous circumstances highlight the sacrifices made by journalists fighting for freedom of information and the dire need for continued support amid funding cuts.
Erosion of Soft Power and Democracy
The recent funding cuts represent a worrying trend wherein the U.S. appears to withdraw from its role in promoting democratic values and a free press worldwide. Critics argue that this retreat plays into the hands of authoritarian regimes that actively suppress dissent and knowledge. Former journalists imprisoned for their work express profound concerns about how these actions undermine U.S. credibility and effectiveness in supporting democracy. The cuts have been met with approval from adversarial media outlets, exacerbating the sense of impending crisis on free expression and information sharing.
The Trump administration has cut funding for Voice of America, the 80-year-old state media network. On this week’s On the Media, how pulling federal funds from VOA’s parent organization will imperil press freedom abroad. Plus, a Radio Free Europe journalist describes being detained for nine months in Russia until she was released alongside Evan Gershkovich.
[01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Nicole Hemmer, political historian and co-host of the podcast “This Day.” They discuss the complicated history of Voice of America, which was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda. Plus, what the funding cuts to VOA and its parent organization tell us about how the Trump administration wants the U.S. to be perceived.
[15:57] Host Micah Loewinger sits down with Alsu Kurmasheva, press freedom advocate and veteran journalist of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir service, on what the network provides in countries lacking a free press and her own nine month detention in Russia. Plus, Bay Fang, president of Radio Free Asia, or RFA, on why authoritarians are celebrating Trump’s shutdown and how RFA’s closure will further diminish press freedom in Asia.
[33:35] Host Brooke Gladstone chats with Dorian Lynskey, cultural journalist and author of the recent book, Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World, to examine our centuries-long obsession with telling end-of-the-world stories and what they reveal about our shifting fears through history. Plus, the evolution of the apocalyptic story, from the Book of Revelation to On the Beach to Station Eleven.
On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
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