I’ve known many journalists during my long career in radio. I’ve worked in what I like to call tiny town radio, medium and major markets and network radio. I’ve been on formats that were liberal or conservative, music, talk, and so many in between. I recall just a few people in my years in radio who were rabid believers in what they were reporting. But is that important to be an apolitical reporter? Or do we have to know that what we are reporting is the truth? Does it mean it’s true to us, or true to the masses?
Last week I reported on stations that were going dark because they can’t afford to operate anymore. But what about a worldwide network, completely shut down for reported political beliefs? This is a spicy subject to be sure!
Voice of America (VOA) went on the air to “protect America and its allies from the Nazis”. It went dark last week seemingly for political reasons, if we are to believe what we are reading online.
Per President Gerald Ford in 1976:
The long-range interests of the United States are served by communicating directly with the peoples of the world by radio. To be effective, the Voice of America must win the attention and respect of listeners. These principles will therefore govern Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts.
1. VOA will serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news. VOA news will be accurate, objective, and comprehensive.
2. VOA will represent America, not any single segment of American society, and will therefore present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.
3. VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussions and opinion on these policies.
The investigation into the death of the network, that I’ve been reading, most all personnel were placed on administrative leave, and there had been some openness to change from some at least. Lest we forget, the network was not only news reporting, but American music and storytelling too.
As above, the mission says journalists have to deliver independent news and information, and not be a government mouthpiece. They had been criticized as the so-called “Vice of America” in 2017 and worse this year.
And now Radio Free Europe is running ads to raise money to save them too, so there’s that.
