Voice of America Halts Broadcasts for First Time in 83 Years as 1,300 Employees Placed on Leave
Photo: Pixabay, illustrative purposes
More than 1,300 Voice of America (VOA) employees have been placed on administrative leave following an executive order by President Donald Trump to reduce federal bureaucracy, effectively halting the broadcaster's operations for the first time in its 83-year history, Orda reports.
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz stated:
I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.
The executive order also impacts other U.S.-funded media organizations under the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, by directing them to reduce operations to their statutory minimums.
Critics argue that these cuts threaten press freedom and diminish the United States' role in promoting free information globally.
The administration justifies the move as part of broader efforts to reduce government size and eliminate unnecessary expenditures.
Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova
Latest news
- The War in Iran Opens a Window of Opportunity for Kazakhstan’s Oil Sector, Analysts Say
- Iran Conflict Escalates Beyond the Gulf: What Kazakh Experts Say About Risks for Central Asia and Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Prepares Possible Evacuation of Its Citizens From Iran
- LRT in Astana Is Reaching the Finish Line: The Launch Is Expected in the Coming Months
- Kazakhstan Ready to Help the UAE Amid Escalation in the Region
- Tokayev Discusses Middle East Escalation With Qatar’s Emir
- Airlines Ready to Bring Kazakhstanis Home From the Middle East
- Tokayev Sends Support Messages to Gulf Leaders Amid Regional Escalation
- Kazakhstan Bans Its Airlines From Flying Over Several Middle East Countries
- Astana Strengthens Security Measures Amid Escalation Around Iran
- Tokayev Meets U.S. Ambassador Stufft, Discusses Board of Peace Cooperation
- Mangystau Launches AI-Assisted School Monitoring to Prevent Teen Suicidal Behavior
- Kazakhstan to Supply UK With Critical Minerals
- AI Faculties for Educators to Open in Kazakhstan: What Other Changes Are Coming to the Education Sector
- There Are Medals — But Not Enough Ice: What’s Happening to Figure Skating in Kazakhstan
- Is Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Plant Project at Risk After New UK Sanctions? Rosatom Responds
- Prosecutor General’s Office Suspends Extradition of Navalny Ex-Staffer Detained in Almaty
- Former EBRD Executive Jürgen Rigterink Elected as New Independent Director on Bank RBK’s Board of Directors
- Kazakhstan Near Bottom of Retirement Comfort Ranking
- Kazakhstan to Open New International Flights Across Asia, the Middle East and Europe
