In a surprising move on Sunday, the Trump administration initiated significant layoffs at Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded media outlets. The decision, following an executive order signed Friday targeting the U.S. Agency for Global Media, has prompted immediate changes in staffing and operations.
Contractual workers received an email stating that their roles would be terminated by the end of March, just a day after being placed on leave. Many of these contractors, who form a large part of VOA’s workforce—especially in non-English language services—face uncertainty about their future, as they often depend on these positions for visa eligibility. Full-time staff, though still employed, remain on administrative leave and have been instructed to refrain from work.
With VOA caught in a state of limbo, some of its channels have already resorted to playing music in place of new programming. The cuts extend to other U.S.-funded broadcasters including Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio Farda, and Alhurra, highlighting a broader shift in federal media policy and budget priorities.
This dramatic restructuring is poised to impact not only the affected employees but also a global audience that relies on these platforms for unbiased news and diverse perspectives. For young global citizens, tech and business enthusiasts, thought leaders, and digital nomads, these developments raise important questions about the future of public media in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
