Did you know America has its own global and media news service? Did you know it costs Americans over 1 billion dollars each year to operate. The federally funded news service, often critical of President Trump, carries a hefty price tag.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees government-funded international broadcasting, has been allocated $1.02 billion in 2024 and it’s already funded for $512 million for fiscal year 2025, according to federal budget data, with another $500 million in the pipeline.
US AGM is now managed by Kari Lake, who was appointed by Trump. Previously, the agency had a definite left-leaning slant and often criticized the United States.
Trump and Lake have not said whether or not they will slash the budget of the agency.
USAGM, which funds entities such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, states that its mission is to “inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy.” The agency’s funding represents 0.0% of the overall federal budget.
Federal spending records show that 60% of USAGM’s award obligations have gone toward financial assistance, with the remaining 40% allocated to contracts.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the independent federal agency tasked with overseeing international broadcasting, has been allocated a budget of $950 million for the fiscal year 2025, marking a significant investment in the agency’s mission to promote ‘freedom and democracy through media’.
This funding request, which is roughly 7.4% higher than the previous fiscal year, underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to countering misinformation and supporting independent journalism worldwide.
USAGM, which operates networks like Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Radio Free Asia (RFA), among others, plays a crucial role in providing news and information to regions where the press is not free. The agency reaches an estimated 420 million people weekly in 63 languages across over 100 countries, making it one of the largest publicly-funded international news organizations globally.
The funding increase comes at a time when the global information landscape is increasingly contested, with state-sponsored media from countries like China, Russia, and Iran aiming to shape international narratives to their political advantage. USAGM’s efforts are seen as vital in offering an alternative voice, one that is grounded in journalistic integrity and free from government control, to these audiences.
The agency has outlined plans to bolster journalist safety, introduce cost efficiencies, and leverage technology to combat the spread of misinformation. Investments will also be made to enhance service delivery, ensuring that USAGM can continue to meet its mandate amidst evolving digital landscapes and media consumption habits.
Despite its mission, USAGM has not been without controversy. Past criticisms have centered around its operational independence, with some alleging political interference, particularly during the Trump administration. The agency’s governance structure has been under scrutiny, with calls for clearer legislative definitions to protect its editorial firewall from political pressures.