If Voice of America is silenced, who will tell our story?
In an era of global instability when fake news is the norm, America needs a reliable platform to control its own narrative internationally. In light of this reality, the Trump administration's decision to end funding for the Voice of America is a short-sighted and self-defeating move. Now more than ever, the U.S. needs a service like VOA to promote its values, counter disinformation and ensure that the true story of America is heard worldwide.
For generations, VOA has been among the most effective elements of American soft power. It has spread our values to hundreds of millions of people around the world through a mix of news, music and entertainment. Hostile actors like China, Iran and Russia have railed against VOA, unable to compete and sway public opinion. However, if we pull back, it will create an information vacuum that inevitably will be filled by these countries, with content that will mischaracterize our policies and vilify our values. This severely will weaken America’s influence and global reach.
Unlike other government services, America’s global messaging can’t be outsourced to private companies. Corporate media have their own agendas, biases and consumer demographics; commercial impulses may not align with the national interest. VOA, by contrast, provides an essential public service: offering an accurate, unbiased portrayal of America.
As an Iranian-American human rights activist, I can attest to the unmatched value of VOA and its ability to amplify the voices of dissidents. VOA is not just a news outlet, but rather a hub where dissidents transmit their messages to the world, connect with one another, and get inspiration for a better tomorrow. VOA has a credibility that is attached to its name — people seek it out because they like America and they trust its government more than their own. In its absence, millions will be left without a reliable source and disinformation will thrive.
VOA is far from perfect. As someone who has visited VOA Farsi studios and their Saudi-owned competitors in London, I can argue that the service actually could have benefited from more funding to improve the quality of its programming content. But even with more money, VOA would have to to improve its editorial approach.
Its journalists and editors should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that their work aligns with American interests, rather than undermining it. For example, over the years, some VOA Persian reporters have been linked to Iranian reformists and even hardliners, segments of the Islamic Republic opposed to America and our policies. VOA must screen its personnel better to ensure that they consistently support American priorities.
Additionally, VOA should focus on improving its soft power through cultural outreach. It is crucial to promote America’s message of capitalism, democracy and freedom, but this can and must be accomplished in ways that resonate with different global audiences. By highlighting America’s success as a melting pot, for instance, the network can promote tolerance and counter rising antisemitic and anti-Western narratives in international media.
Finally, VOA has long been a voice for the oppressed, offering a platform to those who are silenced and censored in their own countries. Whether reporting on the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran or Tiananmen Square protests in China, VOA always has elevated marginalized voices. This function cannot be replaced by commercial entities that often are reluctant to take such risks.
The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle VOA’s funding is a misguided approach. America needs a platform like VOA to assert its interests, promote its policies and disseminate our values. While there are opportunities for improvement, shutting it down will weaken our influence on the global narrative. Instead, VOA should be strengthened to continue serving as a tool for promoting American ideals and countering the forces that seek to undermine them.
Marjan Keypour is an Iranian-American human rights activist and founder of the Alliance for Rights of All Minorities and StopFemicideIran. She is a regular guest on VOA Farsi.
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