US President Donald Trump’s decision to eliminate funding for the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has left radio broadcasting organizations Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in a precarious situation. The move, announced on March 14, will effectively end over seven decades of work by US-sponsored media outlets promoting democracy and countering propaganda in authoritarian countries.
The RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, which employs over 100 people in Ukraine, is particularly vulnerable to the funding cut-off. The service has been a reliable source for millions of Ukrainians, with 95% of its audience trusting its coverage, according to a Gallup World Poll conducted in July 2022. However, the RFE/RL’s journalists have repeatedly faced persecution by the Kremlin and are at risk of losing their freedom.
The Ukrainian Service is parting ways with its freelance journalists, citing financial uncertainty amid US budget cuts. The move has raised concerns about the service’s future, with some speculating that it may be sold to the European Union or other organizations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas mentioned that the bloc is exploring potential options to support RFE/RL.
The US Congress has promised to provide funding through the end of March, but this is unlikely to be enough to sustain the service in the long term. The future of RFE/RL remains uncertain, with its journalists continuing their work despite the funding uncertainty.
Source: https://kyivindependent.com/us-decision-to-cut-radio-free-europe-funding-leaves-ukraines-service-in-limbo