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Russia and China Fill Global News Void as Voice of America Shutdown Continues
Furloughed Voice of America staff warned Wednesday that the White House shutdown of the U.S. government-funded news service has created an information vacuum quickly being filled by Russian and Chinese propaganda across Africa and Asia.
During a National Press Club event on November 12, three VOA staff members placed on leave described how the Trump administration’s decision to effectively shutter the news service has inadvertently bolstered the influence of America’s geopolitical rivals.
“Russian propaganda and Chinese state media… they are filling the frequencies that we used to occupy,” said Jessica Jerreat, former VOA Press Freedom Editor. “Before we had independent balanced news… Now it’s filled with propaganda.”
The shutdown began in March when the majority of VOA’s staff were placed on leave and most programming ceased. In June, layoff notices were sent to 639 employees, though these terminations remain tied up in ongoing litigation. Kari Lake, the Trump-appointed head of VOA, has reportedly stated her intention to completely dismantle the agency by cutting contracts, disposing of equipment, and terminating leased space.
The Trump administration has long criticized VOA, claiming it presents news with a liberal bias. Some administration allies have also argued that the service, established in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, has outlived its usefulness in an era of internet-based information sources.
However, VOA staff contend that the service plays a crucial role in providing factual, independent journalism in regions where press freedom is limited. Kathryn Neeper, VOA’s director of strategy and performance assessment, emphasized that “Russians and Chinese are incredibly eager to fill this gap” left by VOA’s absence.
The situation carries significant geopolitical implications as Russia and China expand their influence operations in developing regions. Media analysts have documented growing Russian disinformation campaigns across Africa, while China has heavily invested in state-run media operations throughout Asia and Africa as part of its broader soft power strategy.
Patsy Widakuswara, VOA’s White House bureau chief before being reassigned and placed on leave, framed the issue as part of a larger threat to press freedom in the United States. “It’s about press freedom overall in this country… the attack on it is happening to many of our peers across journalism,” she said. “Our independent journalism does not align with this president.”
The legal challenge brought by VOA staff against the Trump administration centers on claims that the agency acted improperly when it ordered staff not to report to work, suspended contractors, terminated services, and locked the agency’s doors.
The ongoing federal government shutdown, which began October 1, has delayed some legal proceedings. However, Jerreat expressed hope that U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, who is presiding over the case and has previously blocked some administration efforts, could still intervene favorably. “The judge seems very sympathetic to the case,” she noted.
The situation has created personal hardships for many VOA employees. Some staff members are not U.S. citizens and rely on their VOA employment to remain in the country. Returning to their home nations after reporting on authoritarian governments could potentially expose them to retribution.
Neeper urged public action, saying, “You can call your members of Congress and plug VOA. That’s all you have to do.” She also encouraged journalists to help VOA staff with resume reviews and consider contributing to an employee assistance fund that helps laid-off staff with medical bills and other essential expenses.
The National Press Club event, attended by about 25 people, was moderated by CNBC correspondent and former National Press Club President Emily Wilkins.
Voice of America, which had operated for 82 years as part of U.S. public diplomacy efforts, broadcasts in more than 40 languages and reached an estimated weekly audience of 326 million people worldwide before its operations were curtailed.
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9 Comments
I’m really concerned to hear that the shutdown of VOA has enabled Russia and China to expand their influence through state-controlled media. This highlights the vital role independent journalism plays in counteracting foreign propaganda and providing accurate information to the public.
It’s troubling to hear that the Trump administration’s decision to effectively shut down VOA has allowed adversaries like Russia and China to expand their influence through state-controlled media. This highlights the critical role independent journalism plays.
I agree, this is a worrying trend. VOA provided an important counterbalance to foreign propaganda, and its absence leaves those regions more vulnerable to disinformation campaigns.
This is a very worrying development. If the shutdown of VOA has allowed Russia and China to fill the information void with their own state-sponsored propaganda, that is a serious threat to freedom of information and the public’s ability to access reliable news. Independent journalism is crucial.
I agree, this is a concerning situation. The absence of VOA’s independent reporting has created an opening for foreign adversaries to spread their own narratives, which could have significant geopolitical consequences.
The situation with VOA is deeply troubling. Allowing Russian and Chinese state media to fill the void left by the shutdown of an independent US news service is a grave concern. This highlights the critical importance of preserving independent journalism, especially in regions vulnerable to foreign propaganda.
This is a troubling situation. The shutdown of VOA has created an information vacuum that is now being exploited by the propaganda efforts of America’s geopolitical rivals. Independent, fact-based journalism is crucial, especially in regions where access to reliable news is limited.
This is a concerning development if the shutdown of VOA has created an information vacuum that’s being filled by Russian and Chinese propaganda. Independent, balanced news is so important, especially in regions like Africa and Asia.
The situation with VOA is quite alarming. Allowing Russian and Chinese state media to fill the void left by the shutdown of an independent US news service is a dangerous development that could have far-reaching consequences.