The Voice of America, which is part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), is a multimedia broadcasting service that provides news, information, and cultural programming to a global audience. The service, which was established in 1942, broadcasts in over 40 languages and reaches millions of people around the world.
Kari Lake, who was appointed by Trump on February 10, 2023, brings a unique blend of journalistic and political experience to the role. A former television news anchor in Phoenix, Arizona, Lake ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, narrowly losing to Democrat Katie Hobbs. During her campaign, Lake was endorsed by Trump, who praised her as a “fantastic person” and a “true patriot.”
As Director of VOA, Lake will oversee a staff of over 1,000 employees and a budget of over $200 million. Her responsibilities will include setting the editorial direction of the service, managing its operations, and ensuring that VOA’s programming meets the highest standards of journalism.
Lake’s appointment has been met with a mix of reactions from the media and diplomatic communities. Some have praised her experience as a journalist and her commitment to promoting American values abroad. Others have expressed concerns about her lack of experience in international broadcasting and her perceived close ties to Trump.
In a statement, Lake said that she was “honored” to have been appointed by Trump and that she looked forward to leading VOA’s team of dedicated professionals. “As a journalist, I know the importance of a free and independent press, and I am committed to ensuring that VOA continues to provide accurate and unbiased information to its global audience,” she said.
The appointment of Lake as Director of VOA is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate. If confirmed, she will serve a three-year term.
The Voice of America has a long history of providing news and information to audiences around the world. During World War II, VOA broadcast news and propaganda to Europe and Asia, helping to counter Nazi and Japanese propaganda. In the Cold War, VOA played a key role in promoting American values and interests in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.
Today, VOA broadcasts in over 40 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. Its programming includes news, current events, and cultural shows, as well as documentaries and podcasts. VOA also provides training and support to journalists and media outlets around the world, promoting press freedom and independent journalism.
As the new Director of VOA, Kari Lake will face a number of challenges, including the need to adapt to changing media landscapes and to promote American values and interests in a rapidly changing world. She will also need to navigate the complexities of international broadcasting, where the line between journalism and propaganda can be blurry.
Despite these challenges, Lake’s appointment has been welcomed by some as a breath of fresh air for VOA. “Kari Lake is a talented journalist and communicator who will bring a new perspective to VOA,” said a spokesperson for the USAGM. “We look forward to working with her to promote American values and interests around the world.”
