USA: executive order risks journalists’ jobs
President Trump’s order dismantling the US Agency for Global Media threatens thousands of posts.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in solidarity with US journalists.
On 14 March, Donald Trump, US president, issued an executive order calling for a significant reduction of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The agency oversees US-funded international media and cuts proposed as part of plans to reduce federal government spend, threatens thousands of posts.
Journalists from Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe (RFE), Radio Free Asia (RFA), Office of Cuba Broadcasting and Middle East Broadcasting Networks are among those impacted by proposals.
Federal grants for RFE and RFA have been revoked, and whilst many VOA journalists remain employed, those on freelance contracts have lost their positions. RFE is pursuing legal action against the USAGM arguing termination of funding violates US federal law and congressional authority over spending.
The Office of Cuba Broadcasting lost its funding and went off air on 17 March, with employees returning government-issued equipment and press passes days after.
RFA now fears closure due to its loss of federal support. The station has been instructed by USAGM to return unspent funding and has been given only 30 days to appeal.
The NUJ echoes concern by the IFJ over the impact of cuts and urges a swift reversal of the decision.
Although Middle East Broadcasting Network continues to operate globally, next steps are being considered by the organisation in light of the executive order.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“The dismantling of USAGM directly threatens thousands of journalists with unemployment and also undermines the public’s right to know. We call on the US president to reverse his decision, stand for media pluralism and protect all workers employed by the USAGM."
Jon Schleuss, NewsGuild-CWA president, said:
“The Guild stands with the thousands of journalists and hundreds of millions of people around the globe impacted by this order and we’ll do whatever it takes to fight for our members. Journalists shine a light on corruption and provide life-saving news without fear or favor—a mission everyone should support.”
Larry Goldbetter, National Writers Union president, said:
"The Trump administration has made no secret of its aim to attack the free press and media workers. “Our members are among the many that have been impacted by these attacks, which are aimed mainly not at journalists themselves, but at the public's right to know.”
Mary Rasenberger, Authors Guild CEO, said:
“The loss of Voice of America, RFE/RL, and RFA will devastate original investigative reporting and eliminate vital analysis of political and military developments in regions where independent media is most urgently needed.”