Undaunted, US global media chief moves ahead with changes

Despite a barr of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, new chief of U.S. global media is ploughing ahead with changes to Voice of America and or international broadcasters that are heightening concerns about ir future as independent news organizations.

Although ncy for Global Media chief executive Michael Pack has assured Congress that VOA and its sister networks will remain independent and pledged he would consult lawmakers on significant developments, last week he initiated personnel changes and began a review of visas for foreign employees.

Some fear moves will dam institution's credibility and its ability to fulfil its congressionally mandated mission to broadcast impartial news around world by turning operation into a propaganda machine for President Donald Trump. Ors, though, see m as important and long-needed reforms.

Pack on Wednesday fired executive editor of Radio Free Asia, Bay Fang, whom he had demoted from president shortly after assuming office last month. A day earlier, Pack installed a South Carolina politician with little, if any, relevant experience to run Open Techlogy Fund, which works to provide secure internet access to people around world.

In addition, Pack launched a case-by-case review of visas for foreign ncy employees, many of whom bring critical langu skills needed to communicate with foreign populations that are primary audiences for AGM broadcasts. Although review is t complete and visa actions have yet been taken, some believe review itself sends a chilling mess to journalists.

As those moves were happening, ncy on Thursday publicly boasted of removing Iranian and rth Korean flags from a display at its Washington headquarters, prompting questions about priorities of its new leadership at a tumultuous time in world events amid rising tensions between U.S. and China and disputes over how to handle coronavirus pandemic.

“As of today, flags of regimes hostile to America longer fly in halls @USAGMgov, taxpayer-funded home of U.S. international broadcasting," ncy’s public relations bureau tweeted. post included before and after photos of flag display and hashtags: “#America" “#freedom" and “#SpotDifference.”

Pack, a conservative filmmaker and associate of former Trump political adviser Steve Bann, has defended moves as necessary to reform ncy, which critics have long said is beset by bureaucratic and journalistic issues. That criticism exploded earlier this year when White House attacked VOA for its cover of COVID-19.
Democrats, who suspect Pack wants to promote Trump over broader American values and interests, and some Republicans have demanded explanations for his abrupt dismissal of heads of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Open Techlogy Fund. ( director and deputy director of VOA resigned within days of Pack taking control of AGM.)

On July 1, seven U.S. senators, including four Republicans who voted for his controversial mination, sent a letter to Pack expressing concern about dismissals and possible politicization of AGM. “se actions, which came without any consultation with Congress, let alone tification, raise serious questions about future of USAGM under your leadership,” y wrote.

pack did t respond to letter from Republican Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Jerry Moran of Kansas until a week later when he sent a polite but firm reply that said he was only doing what he had been hired to do.

“ president, American people, and Senate asked me to make bold and meaningful changes,” he wrote in his July 8 response, a copy of which was obtained by Associated Press. “Indeed, throughout confirmation process, and in weeks since taking helm, I made clear my commitment to fixing widely-kwn manment issues that have long beleaguered USAGM and, in turn, its institutions.” 

'During confirmation process, I pledged to respect and protect independence of USAGM journalists, and I stand by that pledge," he said. "I also wish to reiterate my firm commitment to houring VOA Charter and to supporting missions of or USAGM networks and our heroic journalists around world. As an ncy, through accurate and reliable reporting, we have to get truth to those starved for it.”

Yet, review of visas, kwn as J-1 visas, for foreign staffers and appointment of 78-year-old former South Carolina Secretary of State James Mills to run Open Techlogy Fund have raised questions about that commitment.

visa review, in particular, “will be perceived as a threat to many reporters," said Matt Armstrong, a former Republican appointee to Broadcasting Board of Goverrs, which was AGM's predecessor. “Mr Pack is finding his ways to influence VOA’s output without direct intervention. Failing to renew (visas) may result in harsh penalties for some of se reporters and ir families, from jail to even death."

In response to reports that visas had already been or were about to be cancelled, ncy responded that review was t yet complete and that “it appreciates value of critical-langu skills offered by U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.”

“To improve ncy manment and protect U.S. national security, it is imperative to determine that hiring authorities and personnel practices are t misused,” it said. “As such, USAGM is undertaking a comprehensive, case-by-case assessment of personal services contractors who are J-1 visa holders.”

It did t give a projected date for completion of review.

(Im source: AP)