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Voice of America

Voice of America (VOA) is the primary external broadcaster of the United States. It is operated by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which receives funding through Congressional appropriation, but is intended to operate free from government interference.

VOA delivers news, information and entertainment in four dozen languages, and has a global reach through conventional AM, FM and shortwave radio and via audio streaming platforms. VOA also operates a television broadcast unit and a digital publishing arm, the latter of which primarily distributes original reporting and third-party news articles via the VOA website and social media platforms.

VOA is a sister broadcaster to other USAGM outlets, including the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Al Hurra, Radio Sawa), Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio Marti (Cuba) and Worldnet TV. VOA is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The logo of Voice of America. (Courtesy logo, Graphic by The Desk)

Judge blocks some layoffs at Voice of America

A federal judge has paused some layoffs at USAGM and Voice of America from taking effect until at least mid-October.

Kari Lake delivers a speech at the Conservative Action Political Conference in February 2025. (Photo by Gage Skidmore)

Kari Lake disparages news outlets covering USAGM layoffs

During a sworn deposition earlier this month, Lake characterized reports by the Washington Post, CNN and this outlet as propaganda and false.

The logo of Voice of America. (Courtesy logo, Graphic by The Desk)

Trump administration sued for union-busting at USAGM, Voice of America

The lawsuit claims the August 28 order was retaliation for unions’ litigation and grievances opposing the agency’s dismantlement.

Former news anchor-turned-politician Kari Lake. (Photo by Gage Skidmore)

Judge questions Kari Lake’s efforts to dismantle Voice of America

A federal judge overseeing lawsuits against Lake has ordered her to testify under oath.

The logo of social media platform Bluesky. (Graphic by The Desk)

Bluesky ban in Mississippi starts affecting news organizations

The ban follows an affirmation of a controversial age verification law in the state, which is already starting to impact regional newsrooms.

The Washington, D.C. headquarter of Voice of America. (Photo via Google Maps)

USAGM fires Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz

The U.S. Agency for Global Media has dismissed Voice of America's Director Michael Abramowitz for failing to accept demotion, according to court filings.

Seth Jason. (Photo via social media)

Former Voice of America worker indicted for threatening lawmaker

Seth Jason is accused of making numerous threats to assault and kill Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, according to police.

The logo of Voice of America. (Courtesy logo, Graphic by The Desk)

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.

The logo of Voice of America. (Courtesy logo, Graphic by The Desk)

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.

The logo of Voice of America. (Courtesy logo, Graphic by The Desk)

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. (Courtesy photo)

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.

The logo of Voice of America. (Courtesy logo, Graphic by The Desk)

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.

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