The leaders of several US-funded international networks have instructed their organizations to continue broadcasting, ignoring a Trump administration order, because they believe last weekend’s terminations were unlawful, according to a person involved in the matter.
The entities – including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks – are continuing to operate around the world while network executives contemplate next steps, including potential legal action.
Lisa Curtis, who chairs the board of Radio Free Europe, wrote on LinkedIn that “our pro bono legal team is prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that RFE/RL continues its Congressionally authorized mission.”
The source who spoke with CNN on condition of anonymity did not say if or when a formal legal challenge will happen.
In the meantime, the broadcasters are reporting on the uncertainty over their future.
Voice of America’s website is now frozen in time, with old articles like “forecasters warn of tornadoes in US in coming days” still on the home page, even though the stories from Saturday are now out of date.
VOA employees work directly for the federal government, which is why Trump loyalist Kari Lake – recently named a senior adviser to the agency – was able to take such dramatic action.
Posted by John3262005
3 Comments
There are a lot of discussions rapidly developing in the EU about the Czechs or a group of members taking on the costs for operating RFE/RL, so that’s probably at least part of why they feel confident in continuing to stay open and pay staff.
Unfortunately, I don’t think VOA is going to be as lucky, unless they’re able to reboot as a new legal entity funded solely by blue states or something like that.
So, we’re starting the “government in exile” phase.
Where do I send money?
The EU is already gearing up to fill the funding void. As sad as it may be to admit, this picture will become true for the next 4 years.
https://preview.redd.it/47b3bguslhpe1.png?width=3508&format=png&auto=webp&s=59ca0b2b4bee8238e3dc596a9b6d90ecb126267d