- United States
- N.Y.
- Letter
I am deeply concerned about the recent announcement that Voice of America will rely on coverage from the far-right One America News Network (OAN). This decision undermines VOA's long-standing mission to provide reliable, unbiased news and information to global audiences. OAN has a well-documented track record of promoting disinformation, conspiracy theories, and unwavering support for former President Trump's agenda, even after his false claims of election fraud were resoundingly rejected by courts and election officials. Incorporating OAN's highly partisan and often inaccurate reporting into VOA's programming would severely compromise the agency's credibility and reputation for journalistic integrity. It would also betray the principles of objectivity, balance, and independence that have been the hallmarks of VOA's operations for decades. Voice of America plays a vital role in promoting democracy and press freedom around the world. By serving as a model of free, pluralistic media, VOA helps counter authoritarianism and state propaganda. Aligning VOA with an outlet like OAN that peddles disinformation and embraces "alternative facts" would undermine this crucial mission and damage America's standing as a defender of truth and democratic values. I urge you to reject this misguided decision and ensure that Voice of America remains a trusted source of factual, impartial journalism, free from partisan influence or the promotion of fringe ideologies. Preserving VOA's editorial independence and commitment to accuracy is essential for upholding its Congressional mandate and maintaining the United States' credibility on the global stage.