“U.S. Agency for Global Media” Between the Lines

Summary: Section 2.8.1 of Project 2025, titled “U.S. Agency for Global Media,” discusses the current state and proposed reforms for the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This agency is responsible for overseeing several international broadcasting services, including Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), with the mission of promoting freedom and democracy worldwide. The section criticizes the USAGM for failing to fulfill its mission effectively, citing issues such as political bias, mismanagement, and security vulnerabilities. The recommendations include increasing oversight, consolidating redundant services, addressing security concerns, and possibly transferring the agency’s functions to the State Department or the National Security Council (NSC).

In-Depth Analysis:

1. Reforming USAGM’s Mission Execution:
   • Policy Proposal: The document criticizes USAGM for not adequately fulfilling its mission to promote American values and counter adversarial propaganda. It suggests that the agency should focus more on presenting the truth about America and less on echoing negative narratives about the U.S.
   • Concerning Implications: While the goal of promoting American values is important, the emphasis on ensuring that the agency’s content aligns with a particular political narrative could undermine the journalistic independence that is crucial for credibility. The push to avoid “parroting adversaries’ propaganda” might lead to a more censored or biased presentation of global events, reducing the effectiveness of the agency’s mission to inform and engage international audiences.
   • Potential Consequences: If the USAGM becomes overly focused on presenting a positive image of the U.S. at the expense of journalistic integrity, it could lose credibility both domestically and internationally. This could weaken its influence and the trust of its global audience, ultimately reducing its effectiveness in promoting freedom and democracy.
2. Addressing Security Failures:
   • Policy Proposal: The section highlights significant security lapses within the USAGM, including issues with personnel security clearances and vulnerabilities to foreign espionage. It advocates for transferring security responsibilities to more reliable federal entities like the Department of Defense or the Office of Personnel Management.
   • Concerning Implications: Security is a critical issue for any agency involved in international broadcasting, particularly one that operates in hostile environments. The identified lapses raise serious concerns about the agency’s ability to protect sensitive information and personnel. However, transferring security responsibilities might create bureaucratic challenges and could disrupt the agency’s operations during the transition.
   • Potential Consequences: If security concerns are not adequately addressed, the USAGM could become a target for foreign espionage, which could compromise its operations and the safety of its personnel. This could also lead to a loss of confidence among its employees and international partners, further weakening the agency’s effectiveness.
3. Consolidating and Streamlining Operations:
   • Policy Proposal: The document recommends consolidating redundant services within USAGM, such as merging overlapping language services provided by VOA and other networks. It also suggests a review of the Open Technology Fund (OTF) and possibly reinstating the Office of Internet Freedom (OIF) to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
   • Concerning Implications: Consolidating services could lead to more efficient operations and cost savings, but it might also result in the loss of specialized content and the reduction of service diversity, which are critical for reaching diverse global audiences. The proposal to review and potentially dismantle the OTF, which funds technologies to circumvent censorship, could reduce the agency’s ability to support global internet freedom.
   • Potential Consequences: The consolidation of services could streamline operations and reduce costs, but it might also limit the agency’s reach and impact. Reducing support for technologies that promote internet freedom could weaken efforts to counter censorship in authoritarian regimes, which is a key component of the agency’s mission.
4. Improving Oversight and Accountability:
   • Policy Proposal: The section calls for stronger oversight of USAGM, particularly concerning financial management and adherence to its mission. It suggests that placing the agency under the supervision of the State Department or the NSC could improve accountability and align its operations more closely with U.S. foreign policy goals.
   • Concerning Implications: Increasing oversight could improve the agency’s effectiveness and ensure that it operates in alignment with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives. However, placing the agency under the direct control of political bodies could further politicize its operations, potentially undermining its independence and credibility.
   • Potential Consequences: Enhanced oversight might lead to more efficient and aligned operations, but it could also introduce more political influence into the agency’s content and decisions. This might erode the trust of international audiences, particularly if they perceive the agency as merely a mouthpiece for U.S. government propaganda.

Conclusion Statement: The recommendations in the “U.S. Agency for Global Media” section of Project 2025 reflect a desire to reform and refocus the agency to better serve American interests abroad. While many of the proposals aim to address legitimate concerns about efficiency, security, and mission alignment, they also raise important questions about the potential loss of journalistic independence, the risks of politicization, and the challenges of maintaining credibility in the international arena. As these reforms are considered, it is crucial to balance the need for effective communication of American values with the preservation of the agency’s integrity and the trust of its global audience.

Potential Concerns: Media Agencies-U.S. Agency for Global Media

Political Interference and Editorial Independence

• Risk of Politicization: The potential for political interference in the USAGM’s operations is a significant concern. The restructuring plan, which includes appointing a new leadership team with a mandate to align activities with U.S. foreign policy objectives, may lead to the agency prioritizing political agendas over objective journalism. This could compromise the agency’s credibility and trustworthiness, particularly in regions where independent journalism is suppressed and state-controlled media dominate. Ensuring that the USAGM maintains its editorial independence is crucial to preserving its integrity and effectiveness.

• Credibility and Trust Issues: If the USAGM’s content is perceived as politically biased or influenced by the U.S. government, it could lose credibility among its global audience. Trust is essential for the agency’s success, and any hint of political manipulation could undermine its mission to provide unbiased news and promote American values. Maintaining a clear separation between editorial processes and political interests is necessary to ensure that the USAGM’s programming remains trustworthy and respected.

Resource Constraints

• Funding and Resource Allocation: The successful implementation of the proposed reforms requires substantial funding. Resource constraints or shifts in political priorities could impact the availability of necessary resources, hindering the agency’s ability to achieve its objectives. Securing sustained funding and political support is crucial for the long-term success of the USAGM. Without adequate resources, the agency may struggle to modernize its digital capabilities, enhance its programming, and effectively counter misinformation and propaganda from adversarial nations.

• Operational Challenges: Resource constraints can lead to operational challenges, such as inadequate staffing, limited technological upgrades, and insufficient support for local partnerships. These challenges can hinder the USAGM’s ability to produce high-quality content, reach diverse audiences, and maintain its competitive edge in the global media landscape. Ensuring that the agency receives consistent funding and support is essential for addressing these operational challenges and achieving its strategic goals.

Technological Barriers and Cybersecurity

• Access and Reach: Reaching global audiences, particularly in regions with limited internet access or stringent censorship, poses significant challenges. Overcoming these technological barriers requires innovative solutions and sustained investment in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. Ensuring that the USAGM can effectively engage with audiences in these regions is crucial for fulfilling its mission to provide unbiased news and promote democratic values.

• Cybersecurity Risks: The modernization of digital capabilities and the adoption of new technologies expose the USAGM to cybersecurity risks. Protecting the agency’s digital platforms from cyber threats is essential to maintaining the integrity and security of its operations. Cyberattacks can disrupt the agency’s activities, compromise sensitive information, and damage its reputation. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures and continuously updating them to address emerging threats is necessary to safeguard the USAGM’s digital infrastructure.

Security Risks for Personnel

• Operating in Hostile Environments: USAGM personnel and collaborators often operate in hostile environments where they face significant security risks. Ensuring their safety and security is a critical concern. Effective risk management strategies, including comprehensive security protocols and contingency plans, are essential to protect personnel from threats such as harassment, violence, and detention. The agency must prioritize the safety of its staff to maintain operational effectiveness and uphold its mission.

• Impact on Operations: Security risks can disrupt the USAGM’s operations, limiting its ability to gather information, produce content, and engage with local communities. These disruptions can reduce the agency’s effectiveness in achieving its objectives. Implementing measures to mitigate security risks and ensure the safety of personnel is necessary to maintain the continuity and impact of the USAGM’s activities.

Maintaining Unbiased and Factual Reporting

• Challenges in Complex Political Landscapes: Maintaining unbiased and factual reporting while navigating complex political landscapes is challenging. In regions where state-controlled media dominate and independent journalism is suppressed, the USAGM’s commitment to providing accurate and impartial news is crucial. However, political pressures and the need to align with U.S. foreign policy objectives can create conflicts that challenge the agency’s ability to remain impartial.

• Editorial Standards and Vigilance: Ensuring that the USAGM adheres to high editorial standards and remains vigilant against any form of bias or manipulation is essential for preserving its credibility. The agency must implement strict editorial guidelines and oversight mechanisms to maintain the quality and integrity of its content. This commitment to unbiased reporting is vital for building trust with global audiences and effectively countering misinformation and propaganda.

Conclusion

The proposed reforms for the U.S. Agency for Global Media under Project 2025 aim to enhance the agency’s effectiveness in promoting American values, countering misinformation, and providing unbiased news. However, several potential concerns need to be addressed to ensure successful implementation. These include the risk of political interference, resource constraints, technological barriers, cybersecurity risks, security threats to personnel, and maintaining unbiased and factual reporting. Addressing these concerns through robust oversight, strategic planning, and sustained investment is essential for achieving the agency’s objectives and advancing U.S. foreign policy goals.

Breaking Down the Concerns: Media Agencies-U.S. Agency for Global Media

• Political Interference: The risk of political agendas influencing the agency’s work is high. If leaders prioritize politics over objective reporting, it can damage trust and credibility, making the agency look biased and unreliable.

• Funding Issues: Successful reforms need a lot of money. If funding is cut or shifted, the agency might struggle to modernize and keep up with its goals, affecting its ability to counter misinformation and promote U.S. values.

• Tech and Cybersecurity Challenges: Reaching global audiences, especially in areas with poor internet or heavy censorship, is tough. Investing in technology and securing digital platforms against cyber threats is crucial to maintaining operations and credibility.

• Safety of Personnel: Staff often work in dangerous areas, facing risks like violence and harassment. Ensuring their safety is vital to keep the agency running smoothly and effectively.

• Maintaining Unbiased Reporting: Reporting unbiased news in politically sensitive regions is hard. The agency must stick to strict editorial standards to avoid bias and maintain trust, which is essential for countering misinformation effectively.

Red Flags in the Reforms: Analyzing Troubling Quotes

• Quote: “The mission of United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. However, this mission statement does not reflect the current work of the agency. The mission is noble, but the execution is lacking. To fulfill its mission, USAGM should also aim to present the truth about America and American policy—not parrot America’s adversaries’ propaganda and talking points” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 221).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote criticizes USAGM for not fulfilling its mission and instead allegedly propagating adversarial viewpoints.

  • Explanation: This statement suggests that USAGM is not effectively promoting American values and policies, implying a failure to counter foreign propaganda. The concern is that USAGM might not be adequately serving its purpose of supporting freedom and democracy. The emphasis on presenting the “truth about America” raises questions about the potential for government influence over journalistic content, potentially undermining journalistic independence. This could lead to biased reporting and erode the credibility of the agency’s news outlets.

• Quote: “VOA uses digital, web, and mobile media as well, which, while sometimes useful in propagating valuable information globally, has created specific violations of the agency’s prohibition against broadcasting to the domestic U.S. audience—particularly with regard to flagrantly political content, as has been the practice with recent and current VOA content directors and managers” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 222).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote criticizes Voice of America (VOA) for allegedly violating the prohibition against broadcasting domestically, particularly with political content.

  • Explanation: The critique here focuses on the use of digital platforms by VOA and the potential for these platforms to inadvertently reach domestic audiences. The concern about “flagrantly political content” suggests a fear of VOA being used for domestic propaganda. This raises the issue of maintaining a clear separation between public diplomacy efforts abroad and domestic media influence, as stipulated by the Smith-Mundt Act. The allegation of violating this prohibition indicates potential misuse of public resources for political purposes, which could undermine public trust and violate legal restrictions.

• Quote: “The Office of Cuba Broadcasting oversees Radio and Television Martí, a multimedia hub of news, information, and analysis that provides the people of Cuba with programs through satellite television, radio, and digital media. These programs present news and information about Cuba’s oppressive government from the outside world that would otherwise be heavily restricted” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 222).*

  • Summarize Quote: The quote describes the role of Radio and Television Martí in providing Cubans with external news about their government’s actions.

  • Explanation: This statement highlights the importance of providing information to populations under oppressive regimes, emphasizing the role of USAGM in supporting freedom of information. However, it also reflects a potentially one-sided portrayal of the situation, which may not acknowledge the complexities of international relations and the diverse perspectives within the Cuban populace. The framing of the Cuban government as solely “oppressive” could be seen as overly simplistic and lacking in nuance. It suggests a binary view of good versus evil, which may not always align with the realities on the ground and could be used to justify aggressive foreign policy actions.

• Quote: “During the last six months of the Trump Administration, known foreign intelligence operatives were removed from the OCB and RFE/RL. During the 10-year period between 2010 and 2020, both the OPM and the ODNI found that the USAGM’s Office of Security (under the Office of Management) had grossly ignored and flouted many of the federal government’s most critical and long-standing information and personnel security protocols, regulations, and practices” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 227).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote alleges that USAGM ignored important security protocols, leading to the presence of foreign intelligence operatives within the organization.

  • Explanation: The mention of foreign intelligence operatives within USAGM is deeply concerning, indicating potential national security risks. The assertion that security protocols were ignored suggests significant management and oversight failures. This raises serious questions about the agency’s ability to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of its operations. The presence of foreign operatives could undermine the credibility of USAGM’s reporting and its mission to promote American values abroad. Additionally, such security lapses could compromise the safety of journalists and other personnel working in high-risk environments.

• Quote: “The Firewall Regulation was entered into the Federal Register on the eve of the Senate confirmation of President Donald Trump’s USAGM CEO, Michael Pack. It was the quintessential ‘midnight reg’ designed to throttle the statutory and executive authority of the agency head. It stipulated that agency management, by standards unknown to most large broadcast companies, was forbidden from engaging in oversight and direction of content in any way—even false content” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 225).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote criticizes the Firewall Regulation, suggesting it was designed to limit the agency head’s authority and prevent oversight of content, even if it was false.

  • Explanation: The Firewall Regulation is portrayed here as an obstacle to effective management and oversight within USAGM. By characterizing it as a tool to prevent intervention in content, even if it was false, the quote implies a lack of accountability and transparency. This perspective raises concerns about the balance between protecting journalistic independence and ensuring responsible and accurate reporting. The suggestion that the regulation was a politically motivated move adds to the controversy, indicating a possible politicization of the agency’s governance. This could lead to a lack of trust in USAGM’s

• Quote: “During the Biden Administration, the OCB has been threatened with closure, while also suffering chilling reductions in force” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 222).

  • Summarize Quote: The Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) faced potential closure and staffing reductions under the Biden Administration.

  • Explanation: The concern here is about the reduction of resources and support for OCB, an organization aimed at providing uncensored news to Cubans. The statement implies that these actions may weaken the U.S. government’s ability to influence public opinion in Cuba and support Cuban citizens’ access to independent information. However, the critique may also suggest a political motive behind the reduction, possibly aligning with a broader critique of the Biden Administration’s approach to foreign policy and public diplomacy. The risk is that such framing could be used to justify future funding increases or shifts in editorial direction, potentially compromising the independence of the OCB.

• Quote: “RFE/RL has surrendered much of its rich history to an approach that favors political trends as opposed to operations that support and represent America abroad” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 222).

  • Summarize Quote: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is accused of shifting towards politically trendy content rather than focusing on promoting American values abroad.

  • Explanation: This quote suggests that RFE/RL has moved away from its traditional mission of supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives through independent journalism. The criticism points to a perceived shift towards content that aligns with political trends, potentially undermining its credibility and effectiveness. The implication is that RFE/RL may not be adequately fulfilling its role in countering foreign propaganda and promoting democracy. This could lead to calls for a return to more explicitly pro-American content, raising concerns about the agency’s editorial independence and the potential for government overreach.

• Quote: “The Open Technology Fund’s goal is to provide funding to support the research, development, and implementation of Internet freedom technologies that circumvent censorship. OTF was formed under dubious circumstances by using consolidation rules to usurp the mission and funding of USAGM’s pre-existing Office of Internet Freedom” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 224).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote criticizes the formation of the Open Technology Fund (OTF), suggesting it was created under questionable circumstances and took over the functions of the Office of Internet Freedom.

  • Explanation: This statement raises concerns about the transparency and accountability of the OTF’s establishment and operations. The allegation of usurping the mission and funding of the Office of Internet Freedom suggests mismanagement and potential misuse of resources. Such criticism can undermine confidence in the OTF’s effectiveness in promoting Internet freedom. If true, it highlights a lack of oversight and possible duplication of efforts, leading to inefficiencies. The broader implication is a need for reform and better governance within USAGM to ensure that funds are used effectively and in alignment with the agency’s mission.

• Quote: “Shortwave transmission stations…have been grossly deemphasized in budgeting in favor of newer web-based technologies. This move is dangerously short-sighted and puts the U.S. at a perilous strategic disadvantage in the event of a major conflict” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 228).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote criticizes the de-emphasis on shortwave radio in favor of web-based technologies, suggesting it compromises U.S. strategic interests.

  • Explanation: This statement argues that the shift away from traditional shortwave radio broadcasting could leave the U.S. vulnerable, particularly in conflict situations where internet access may be disrupted. Shortwave radio is a resilient technology that can reach audiences in areas with limited or censored internet access. The critique suggests that over-reliance on digital platforms may hinder the U.S. ability to disseminate information during crises. This concern emphasizes the need for a diversified approach to international broadcasting that includes both traditional and modern technologies, ensuring robust communication capabilities under various circumstances.

• Quote: “The USAGM’s current operations, properly managed, can be conducted on less than $700 million per year…Waste, unnecessary spending, nepotism for pet projects, redundant programs, and unnecessary hiring abounded” (Project 2025, 2024, p. 227-228).

  • Summarize Quote: The quote asserts that USAGM could operate on a reduced budget with better management, highlighting issues like wasteful spending and nepotism.

  • Explanation: This criticism targets the efficiency and financial management within USAGM, suggesting significant potential for cost savings. By highlighting waste, nepotism, and redundancy, the statement implies that the agency is not using its resources effectively. The concern is that such inefficiencies may divert funds from critical programs and compromise the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission. This could lead to calls for budget cuts or restructuring, potentially impacting the quality and scope of USAGM’s operations. However, care must be taken to ensure that cost-cutting measures do not undermine the agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Conclusion

The “U.S. Agency for Global Media” subsection highlights significant concerns about the agency’s operations, including accusations of political bias, inefficiency, and mismanagement. The critique of the USAGM’s current state suggests a need for comprehensive reforms to restore its credibility and effectiveness. The potential implications of the immunity ruling could further complicate efforts to address these issues, as it may shield agency officials from accountability for any mismanagement or biased content.

The emphasis on promoting a specific narrative about America and avoiding “adversaries’ propaganda” could lead to a more controlled and less independent media landscape within the agency. Such changes could undermine the agency’s credibility and its role in promoting free and unbiased information globally. The call for restructuring and potential consolidation under entities like the National Security Council or the State Department also raises concerns about the potential for increased government influence over journalistic content.

Overall, the subsection outlines a vision for USAGM that prioritizes efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives but risks compromising journalistic independence and the agency’s broader mission of supporting freedom and democracy. The impact of these proposed reforms, particularly if combined with immunity protections for agency officials, could significantly alter the landscape of U.S. international broadcasting and public diplomacy.

“U.S. Agency for Global Media” in a Nutshell

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) plays a critical role in promoting freedom and democracy worldwide through international broadcasting services like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). However, Section 2.8.1 of Project 2025 outlines significant concerns about the agency’s current operations, mission execution, and management, advocating for sweeping reforms.

Core Issues and Concerns:

1. Mission Execution and Editorial Independence:
   • The document criticizes USAGM for failing to effectively fulfill its mission of promoting American values and countering adversarial propaganda. The agency is accused of often echoing negative narratives about the U.S. rather than presenting a positive image, which raises concerns about the potential for political interference and the erosion of journalistic independence.
   • If USAGM prioritizes aligning its content with political narratives over unbiased reporting, it risks losing credibility among global audiences. The independence of the agency’s news outlets is crucial for maintaining trust, and any shift towards politicization could severely damage their effectiveness.
2. Security Failures:
   • USAGM has been flagged for severe security lapses, including mishandling personnel security clearances and vulnerabilities to foreign espionage. These issues, if not addressed, could compromise the agency’s operations and the safety of its personnel. The proposed solution is to transfer security responsibilities to more reliable federal entities, which, while necessary, might disrupt the agency’s operations during the transition.
3. Redundancies and Inefficiencies:
   • The document highlights the presence of redundant services within USAGM, such as overlapping language services between VOA and other networks. The recommendation is to consolidate these services to improve efficiency and reduce waste. However, this could lead to the loss of specialized content and a reduction in service diversity, which are essential for reaching diverse global audiences.
   • The Open Technology Fund (OTF) is singled out for allegedly duplicating the efforts of the Office of Internet Freedom (OIF) with less transparency and effectiveness. This has led to calls for reinstating the OIF and ensuring better oversight of funds dedicated to promoting internet freedom.
4. Oversight and Management:
   • The document argues for stronger oversight of USAGM, suggesting that placing the agency under the direct supervision of the State Department or the National Security Council (NSC) could improve accountability. However, this could also increase political influence over the agency’s operations, potentially undermining its independence.
   • The “Firewall Regulation,” intended to protect journalistic independence, is criticized for being misused to block legitimate oversight, resulting in unchecked and sometimes biased content. This situation underscores the need for a balance between protecting independence and ensuring accountability.
5. Technological and Strategic Concerns:
   • The shift away from traditional broadcasting methods, like shortwave radio, in favor of web-based technologies is seen as short-sighted, particularly in the context of major conflicts where internet access might be compromised. The document stresses the importance of maintaining diverse communication methods to ensure the U.S. can effectively broadcast information even in challenging circumstances.
   • The document also warns about the strategic risks posed by undersea cable vulnerabilities, which carry the majority of global internet traffic. In times of conflict, damage to these cables could disrupt USAGM’s ability to communicate, highlighting the need for a resilient broadcasting infrastructure.
6. Operational and Cultural Challenges:
   • USAGM faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining talented personnel while also dealing with issues like nepotism and improper hiring practices. These operational problems contribute to the agency’s inefficiency and hinder its ability to fulfill its mission.
   • The agency’s lack of clear connectivity to larger government departments and its insufficient oversight have resulted in a disjointed and ineffective organizational structure. The document suggests that bringing the agency under the direct supervision of the NSC or the State Department could help address these issues.

Overall Summary: The analysis of USAGM in Project 2025 reveals a deeply troubled agency struggling with mission drift, security vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, and potential political interference. The proposed reforms aim to refocus the agency on its core mission of promoting freedom and democracy, improve its operational efficiency, and enhance security. However, these changes also raise concerns about the potential for increased politicization and the loss of journalistic independence, which could undermine the agency’s credibility and effectiveness.

In summary, while the reforms could lead to a more streamlined and secure agency, careful consideration must be given to maintaining the delicate balance between oversight and independence. Ensuring that USAGM remains a trusted and unbiased source of information is crucial for its continued success in influencing global audiences and supporting U.S. foreign policy goals.