The Uncertain Future of USAGM: A Bulwark Against Disinformation

On a special episode of The Excerpt podcast, released on May 7, 2025, Dana Taylor delves into the critical role of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) in combating the surge of propaganda and misinformation emanating from China and Russia. The USAGM, a global beacon of American freedom and democracy, reaches nearly 500 million listeners daily through its various entities, including Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

The podcast addresses the precarious position of USAGM. A March executive order by former President Donald Trump to dismantle the agency had been reversed by the courts. But its future remains uncertain as Republicans in Congress work on a new budget that reflects the President’s agenda. To shed light on the importance of USAGM, Japhet Quitzon, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, joins the discussion to explore the agency’s historical role in disseminating American culture and values.

Taylor begins by tracing the origins of VOA, highlighting its inaugural broadcast in 1942 to Germany. The broadcast, committed to delivering truthful news, good or bad, stood in stark contrast to Nazi disinformation prevalent on European airwaves. Quitzon elaborates that VOA’s mission extended beyond news. It included snippets of American music, culture, and lifestyle, showcasing the values of the American people. This soft power approach, this "war for ideas," laid the foundation for subsequent outlets.

Building on this concept, Radio Free Europe emerged in the late 1940s, targeting Russian satellite states like Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, and East Germany. Radio Liberty followed in the early 1950s, specifically aimed at the Soviet Union and its constituent republics. Initially more aggressive in tone, later softened to Radio Liberty, both outlets aimed to deliver factual news and provide insights into American life and values.

Taylor raises the argument that in the age of the internet and social media, the need for these legacy media outlets has diminished. Quitzon counters that the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation online necessitates independent outlets providing unbiased, factual news. He emphasizes the pervasive nature of false claims on social media, trapping individuals in feedback loops of misleading information. VOA and RFE/RL, with their commitment to unbiased reporting, offer a vital alternative to the noise.

Quitzon points out that the absence of US-funded international broadcasters would benefit China and Russia, whose disinformation channels are already widespread. These channels utilize deep fakes, astroturfing, and fake social media accounts to spread messages against the rules-based international order, democracy, and freedom of the press. This poses a significant danger to the international community and countries on the brink.

The conversation shifts to the uncertain future of USAGM’s funding. While a court reinstated funding for the current year, its continuation beyond September is not guaranteed. Quitzon acknowledges that the budget process is unpredictable, but he believes that Congress is unlikely to disband the agencies entirely. A "death by a thousand cuts," however, could severely limit their operations, leaving them functioning as skeleton crews.

Quitzon expresses concern about the potential impact on employees, especially those with uncertain visa situations. He emphasizes the need to closely monitor budget developments. Acknowledging the divisions within the Republican Party, he speculates that Speaker Johnson faces a difficult task in unifying the caucus on this issue.

The discussion turns to Radio Free Asia (RFA) and its role in Myanmar, a region experiencing political upheaval and human rights abuses. Quitzon highlights RFA’s crucial role in reporting on the fluid conflict between ethnic armed groups and the ruling junta. He notes that RFA’s coverage will be particularly important during Myanmar’s upcoming elections. Even as a skeleton crew, RFA and VOA provided crucial coverage of a recent earthquake, filling communication blackouts. Quitzon asserts that RFA and VOA remain reliable news sources in Southeast Asia, trusted by people in Myanmar.

Taylor addresses the Trump administration’s criticism of these agencies, accusing them of liberal bias. Quitzon responds that the Trump administration has consistently targeted outlets perceived as unfriendly to its agenda. He emphasizes the importance of a free press and highlights concerns that cutting into congressional power goes against the division of government. He adds that judges reviewing these cases are also aware of the significance of a free press.

The discussion shifts to the potential defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides partial funding for public media organizations like NPR and PBS. Quitzon expresses deep concern about the defunding of CPB, emphasizing its impact on thousands of local media outlets. These outlets provide accurate, up-to-date information and serve as bulwarks in their communities. Without free discourse and accurate information, it is difficult for people to form proper opinions, untinged by others’ biases. Quitzon fears that the loss of local media will lead to their absorption by large media conglomerates less sensitive to local issues. He also highlights the severe danger to NPR, a crucial outlet for accurate information and in-depth reporting.

Finally, Dana Taylor shares an update: Kari Lake, a senior advisor to the US Agency for Global Media, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that VOA will partner with the conservative One America Network, which will provide free programming. This partnership raises concerns about the potential influence of partisan media on the USAGM’s mission of providing unbiased news.