The US Agency for Global Media has announced significant job cuts, affecting over 500 employees, including those at Voice of America (VOA). This decision is part of an ongoing legal battle over the agency’s future. Kari Lake, the agency’s acting CEO, revealed the layoffs just a day after a federal judge ruled that she could not remove VOA’s director, Michael Abramowitz.
US District Judge Royce Lamberth stated that the administration had to demonstrate compliance with previous orders regarding VOA. He mentioned that removing Abramowitz would violate legal requirements without board approval.
In a social media post, Lake confirmed the layoffs, stating that the agency plans to continue its mission despite the cuts. She expressed optimism about improving the agency’s effectiveness. However, a group of agency employees is challenging these layoffs, arguing that they are unjustified and lack the necessary scrutiny from Congress.
In June, layoff notices had already been sent to more than 600 employees. The agency’s recent filings mentioned retaining some employees while planning cuts, highlighting a significant reduction in personnel. These organizations, including Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, have a long history of promoting American values and countering authoritarian narratives globally.
Experts, like Abramowitz, warn that dismantling VOA could harm US national security. He noted that if America steps back from its global communication role, adversaries may fill the void, leading to misinformation dominating international narratives.
Recently, discussions about media censorship and worker protections have intensified. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees criticized the administration for undermining union protections for VOA workers, framing it as retaliation for their efforts to maintain VOA’s mission.
Moreover, global reactions are concerning. Employees from US-backed media outlets have expressed fears for their safety, particularly those from authoritarian regimes. They worry that without these services, their lives could be jeopardized if they return to their home countries.
As the agency navigates this challenging landscape, the implications of job cuts extend beyond employment—affecting freedom of expression and the US’s standing in the global information battle.
For more insights on the effects of media operations globally and the importance of a free press, you can check out resources from the Pew Research Center or the Committee to Protect Journalists.
