The U.S. Agency for Global Media, the oversight body for Voice of America and other international broadcasters, is implementing job cuts affecting over 500 employees. This action comes amid a legal dispute concerning the future of these news outlets.
Kari Lake, the acting CEO of the agency, announced the job cuts late Friday. This announcement followed a federal judge's decision to block her from removing Michael Abramowitz from his position as VOA director. The judge had previously ruled that the administration had not adequately demonstrated compliance with his orders to restore VOA's operations. He gave the administration a final chance to comply and ordered Lake to be deposed by lawyers representing agency employees.
The judge had also stated that Abramowitz's removal required approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. Lake, in a social media post, stated that the agency was initiating a reduction in force, eliminating 532 full-time government employee positions. She expressed confidence that the agency would continue its mission and improve its functionality.
A group of agency employees, who had filed a lawsuit to prevent VOA's dismantling, criticized Lake's actions. They stated that the job cuts would result in their colleagues losing pay and benefits within 30 days. They also expressed their anticipation of Lake's deposition to understand the process behind the agency's restructuring.
In June, over 600 agency employees received layoff notices. Abramowitz, along with a significant portion of the VOA staff, was placed on administrative leave. The administration had indicated its intention to issue RIF notices to a large number of employees across VOA and other agency components, while also planning to retain a smaller number of employees.
The agency oversees several broadcasting networks, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Radio Marti. These networks, established during the Cold War, aim to extend U.S. influence and counter authoritarianism, reaching an estimated 427 million people.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
This is a power grab, plain and simple. They want a controlled media.
Karamba
Perhaps this will lead to a more focused strategy and better outcomes.
Rotfront
532 jobs? This is a devastating blow to international reporting and will weaken our global presence.
Coccinella
They need to modernize these networks. Hopefully, this is part of a bigger plan.
Comandante
How can VOA fulfill its mission with so many key people being laid off? This is sabotage.