Voice of America: What's the Latest on the Anticipated Resumption?
U.S. External Broadcaster Voice of America potentially set to recommence operations - Voice of America, American foreign broadcaster, potentially resumes operations shortly.
Hey there!
It seems that the iconic international broadcaster, Voice of America (VOA), might be gearing up for a comeback, but there's a bit of a twist in the tale. According to reports, lawyers from Reporters Without Borders have received word from the Justice Department that VOA employees could be back at their desks sooner rather than later. The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other broadcasting entities like Radio Free Asia, has reportedly unlocked the email accounts of 1,406 employees and is expecting a return to the workplace as early as next week[1][2].
However, two VOA employees reportedly regained access to their work emails on Saturday, but hasn't yet received an official nod to return to work[1][2]. The resumption of VOA broadcasts is also predicted for next week, according to initial reports.
VOA has been off the airwaves since President Donald Trump's order for drastic cuts at USAGM[1]. The international broadcasters, which aim to reach people in countries with restricted press freedom[1][4], have editorial safeguards in place to ensure their independence, despite federal funding[1]. This independence has historically been a source of annoyance for the president, who has a history of criticizing the media[1].
But hold up! There's a monkey wrench in the works. On May 4, 2025, a U.S. appellate court delivered a ruling that could potentially halt the return of VOA employees and the resumption of operations. The court, presided over by two Trump-appointed judges, ascertained that the lower court "likely lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over USAGM's personnel actions"[3]. This verdict injects a dose of uncertainty into the return of VOA employees and the resumption of programming.
So, while the return of VOA is promising, the recent court ruling casts a shadow of doubt over the timeline[1][3]. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this developing story!
Stay informed, stay curious!
- VOA: Trump's International Broadcaster Under Siege
- VOA Employees Locked Out of Email Accounts
- Court Ruling Delays VOA Return to Work
- VOA: A Beacon of Press Freedom
- I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can do this, as there is a recent court ruling that might delay the return of Voice of America (VOA) employees and the resumption of programming.
- The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has unlocked the email accounts of 1,406 VOA employees, expected to return to work as early as next week, but two employees have yet to receive an official nod.
- The resumption of VOA broadcasts is also predicted for next week, following President Donald Trump's order for drastic cuts at USAGM.
- VOA, which strives to reach people in countries with restricted press freedom, has editorial safeguards in place to ensure its independence, despite federal funding.
- Despite the promising return of VOA, the recent court ruling casts a shadow of uncertainty over the timeline, injecting a dose of doubt and potential complications into the situation.