Voice of America 'silenced' after 83 years

(Patria) - The entire staff of Voice of America (VOA), the largest international television network funded by the U.S. government, was informed on Saturday that they have been placed on administrative leave.

The notification was sent to them via email by Crystal G. Thomas, Director of Human Resources at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other state-funded media organizations.

The notice was sent to all full-time Voice of America employees, from journalists to senior managers, and did not include contract staff whose contracts expire in June, CBS News reports.

As of Saturday, Voice of America employees have been barred from accessing the headquarters in Washington, while part-time workers, stringers, and those on monthly contracts have also ceased work due to a lack of funds.

The decision followed an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, mandating significant budget cuts for USAGM and six other agencies.

“Such entities will reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law,” the Trump order states.

USAGM, which also oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, has halted financial support for both organizations, affecting broadcasts in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, and North Korea.

Michael Abramowitz, director of Voice of America, expressed his disappointment in a LinkedIn post.

“I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the renowned Voice of America has been silenced,” he stated, adding:

“This morning I learned that nearly all of Voice of America’s staff, more than 1,300 journalists, producers, and support staff, have been placed on administrative leave today. Myself included.”

Abramowitz acknowledged the need for reform at Voice of America and said progress had been made, but noted that the current government moves hinder its ability to carry out its mission, especially at a time when adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia are investing heavily in spreading disinformation to undermine the U.S.