USAGM finalizes firings at Voice of America
More than 630 workers were let go between the start of the month and Friday, when the final termination notices were sent.
U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
The U.S. Agency for Global Media, previously known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, is an independent agency of the United States government that oversees international broadcast outlets, including the Voice of America, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.
Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting’s Radio Marti are directly supervised by USAGM, while the other broadcasters receive federal funding through acts of Congress in exchange for oversight by the agency.
Alhurra calls out USAGM over funding cuts
The Arabic-language satellite TV channel said the federal agency is “illegally withholding” Congressionally-approved funds for its broadcast operations.
USAGM starts firing full-time Voice of America employees
The USAGM is sending termination notices to full-time employees at Voice of America, The Desk has learned.
Documents outline deal between Voice of America, One America News
The agency’s senior advisor Kari Lake endorsed a non-binding contract with OAN parent Herring Networks earlier this month, according to documents obtained by The Desk.
Steve Herman retires from Voice of America, joins University of Mississippi
Steve Herman is retiring for Voice of America to become the executive director of a new journalism unit at the University of Mississippi.
Voice of America layoffs to result in dozens of deportations
Around 60 workers who are in the U.S. on J-1 visas could be asked to leave the country after being laid off from Voice of America last week.
USAGM fires hundreds of Voice of America contractors
The move affects more than 500 freelance workers, including reporters, photographers and other journalists; many hold work permit visas, and will be asked to leave the country.
X suspends account linked to Voice of America workers
X, formerly Twitter, suspended an activist account used by current and former workers of Voice of America to raise public awareness about funding cuts.
Appeals court reverses some rulings on USAGM funding
The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. said the Trump administration must hire back Voice of America workers, but overturned injunctions that resumed funding to other broadcasters.
Judge approves injunction that reinstates Voice of America funding
A federal judge has approved a preliminary injunction that requires USAGM to reinstate fired Voice of America employees and provide funding to the broadcaster once again.
Judge sides with Voice of American journalists in lawsuit over firings
A federal judge has issued a restraining order that prevents USAGM from laying off workers at Voice of America while a lawsuit moves forward.
Voice of America execs, journalists file second lawsuit against USAGM
The Director of VOA, a senior-level journalist and two contractors have filed a third lawsuit against USAGM over disruptive activity and job cuts.
Judge orders USAGM to restore Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty grants
A federal judge has ordered USAGM to stop withholding federal grant money owed to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty for its broadcast operations.
Trump withdraws Bozell’s nomination to lead Voice of America parent USAGM
Leo Bozell will instead be nominated to serve as Ambassador to South Africa, according to Congressional notifications made on Tuesday.
USAGM releases $7 million to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
The forthcoming disbursement followed a lawsuit filed by the broadcaster after its funding grants were terminated.
VOA journalists seek restraining order against Trump administration
Journalists at Voice of America have filed a legal request for a restraining order that will prevent Trump administration officials from furthering layoffs and a reduction in activities.
Viewpoint: Lawsuit filed by Voice of America journalists to determine broadcaster’s fate
While dictatorial countries celebrate its demise, VOA journalists are continuing its mission — now in the courtroom, instead of on the air.
Voice of America journalists sue USAGM over closure of broadcast outlet
Seven individuals — including four unnamed workers — are joining several unions representing affected journalists at Voice of America after the broadcaster was effectively shut down last week.
Czech Republic suggests EU fund Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Officials within the Czech Republic have asked the E.U. to back Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty as the U.S. government implements funding cuts.
U.S. Agency for Global Media sued over cancellation of grants
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media after its operational funding was terminated earlier this week.
Journalists at government-backed broadcasters work through layoffs
Despite an Executive Order that required a reduction in activity and workforce, some employees of U.S. Agency for Global Media outlets are reporting to work, unsure if they will receive a paycheck.
Layoffs hit 1,000 workers at Voice of America, other broadcasters
The job cuts are rooted in an Executive Order signed by President Trump on Friday that requires USAGM and other organizations to reduce their activities and employee count.
Trump orders cuts at Voice of America parent agency
President Trump has signed an executive order requiring the parent agency of Voice of America to effectuate activity and staffing cuts.
Voice of America hires Kari Lake as special advisor
The appointment comes about two months after then-President Elect Trump named Lake as his choice to lead the external broadcaster.