Washington, Mar 16 (V7N) – Over 1,300 employees of the US government-funded media outlet Voice of America (VOA) have been furloughed following budget cuts. Additionally, funding for two other US media outlets—Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia—has been slashed, raising fears of their possible shutdown.

According to Reuters, the decision stems from an executive order by former President Donald Trump, which mandates the closure of six federal agencies, including the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the parent organization of VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia.

VOA’s operations have been severely impacted, with funding reductions crippling its ability to broadcast.

Radio Free Europe, which operates in Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Russia, faces an uncertain future.

Radio Free Asia, which covers China and North Korea, is also at risk of being shut down.

VOA Director Michael Abramowitz expressed deep concern, stating:

 “For the first time in 83 years, the multinational Voice of America is being silenced. It has played a vital role in the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.”

Journalist William Gallo, Seoul Bureau Chief of VOA, claimed he has already been locked out of the organization’s systems, calling the move an attempt to cripple an independent news source.

 "What I've tried to do is be straightforward and honest and tell the truth. It doesn't matter what government I'm covering. If it's a threat to anyone, then so be it."

Carrie Lake, a known Trump loyalist, has been nominated as the new director of Voice of America, sparking concerns over the outlet’s future editorial independence.

VOA was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda and now boasts an audience of 360 million people worldwide each week.

The latest developments have raised serious concerns about press freedom and the US government’s role in international media influence.

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