Radio Free Asia (RFA) announced on Wednesday that it is ceasing operations for the first time in its history amid the government shutdown and after the Trump administration cut its funding.
one in statementRFA executive editor Rose Hwang said the interruption was “due to uncertain funding.”
“For RFA journalists who have sacrificed so much to challenge powerful and deadly forces, this is a harrowing moment.”
RFAEstablished in 1996 through the International Broadcasting Act, it reaches approximately 60 million people weekly in six countries without a free press: China, Myanmar, North Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.
In fiscal year 2024, the RFA’s budget was $60.8 million. Before the furloughs earlier this year, the organization consisted of 400 full-time employees and 500 stringers and contractors.
The pause comes amid the ongoing government shutdown, which on Wednesday lasted 29 days and is on track to become the longest funding lapse. us history,
In March, President Trump ordered funding cuts to the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees RFA. USAGM, led by acting CEO Victor Morales and Trump ally Special Adviser Kari Lake, received more than $866.9 million in funds appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2024, according to its annual data. financial report,
As a result of the cuts, the R.F.A. on vacation Three-quarters of its workforce. In late March, it said in a legal filing that it would close by the end of April without court intervention. reuters,
On this websiteRFA says it is providing limited news updates on its website and social media. Hwang said in his statement that RFA would return if funding was restored.
Hwang said, “Independent journalism is at the core of RFA. For the first time since RFA’s founding nearly 30 years ago, that voice is under threat.”
Hill has contacted the White House for comment.
