The Trump administration is facing criticism for not releasing funds meant for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a news organization created to combat Soviet propaganda during the Cold War. Court documents and officials from RFE/RL indicate that the organization has not received nearly $12 million that was approved by Congress for its operations this April.
This delay in funding from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has serious consequences. RFE/RL, which depends almost entirely on government funding, has been forced to furlough some employees and cut back on its programming. Benjamin Herman, the organization’s general counsel, expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing that their journalists, who often work in dangerous conditions across Europe and Asia, rely on these funds to do their jobs effectively.
Adding to the challenges, USAGM recently canceled satellite contracts for RFE/RL. This decision could disrupt the delivery of Russian-language programming, which is crucial for reaching audiences in Russia. About 40 partner stations in Europe that air RFE/RL’s live programs depend on these satellite services.
The ongoing funding issues and the cancellation of contracts raise significant concerns about the future of RFE/RL and its ability to provide news and information in regions where independent journalism is vital.