USAGM withdraws termination of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty grant
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In a stunning reversal, U.S. Agency for Global Media special adviser Kari Lake on Wednesday evening withdrew an order to terminate the 2025 funding grant for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, one of the five broadcast agencies that sits under USAGM.
Why it matters: It's an important victory for RFE/RL, which would have otherwise been forced to shutter without its funding.
What they're saying: "This is an encouraging sign that RFE/RL's operations will be able to continue, as Congress intended," RFE/RL president and CEO Stephen Capus said Thursday.
- "We await official confirmation from USAGM that grant funding will promptly resume based on the intention expressed in last night's letter."
- "We are eager to speak directly with USAGM leadership about the extraordinary and cost-effective work that RFE/RL performs for the American people."
Catch up quick: RFE/RL was informed March 15 that USAGM had terminated the broadcaster's federal grant agreement. The move came as part of a directive issued by the White House to reduce statutory functions of "unnecessary governmental entities to what is required by law."
- The grants for its sister broadcasters, like Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting were also terminated.
- RFE/RL announced shortly after that it was suing USAGM, as well as Lake and acting USAGM CEO Victor Morales for efforts to terminate its Congressionally approved dollars.
- On Monday, a U.S. District Court hearing took place to evaluate whether to grant an emergency request by RFE/RL to receive its $7.5 million in funds appropriated for March. Just before the hearing, USAGM notified the court that it would take immediate steps to disburse the money.
By the numbers: Congress has appropriated $153 million to fund RFE/RL for the fiscal year. In winning its lawsuit, RFE/RL ensures that the remaining $77 million of its funds keep the broadcaster operational through September.
The big picture: Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty were originally created as separate entities to combat Communist propaganda.
- The two outlets, created in 1949 and 1951, respectively, were consolidated in the 1970's.
- Like other USAGM-funded broadcasters, its mission is to broadcast truthful, accurate news reports to places that may not have access to high-quality information, for the purpose of promoting democracy abroad.
What to watch: Other USAGM funded broadcasters and groups are also taking legal action to stop the gutting of their operations.
- There are currently two lawsuits against USAGM from former Voice of America employees.
- The Open Technology Fund, an independent non-profit that's a subdivision within the USAGM, has also sued USAGM for withholding funds.
- Similarly, Radio Free Asia filed a lawsuit against USAGM on Thursday.
