Voice of America Ends Wire Service Contracts Amid Leadership Changes

New York, N.Y. — The Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded international broadcaster, has announced the termination of its contracts with The Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP). This decision was communicated to VOA staff on Friday during a meeting where journalists were instructed to discontinue using wire service materials in their reporting.

Kari Lake, recently appointed by President Donald Trump to lead VOA, stated that the move would save $53 million annually and align the organization’s operations with its nearly billion-dollar budget.

Lake expressed her rationale for the decision through social media on Thursday, describing these contracts as “costly and unnecessary.” She argued that VOA should focus on producing news internally rather than relying on external organizations. “If we can’t produce our own news with this budget, taxpayers deserve answers,” Lake remarked.

Implications for VOA’s News Coverage

The decision signals a significant operational shift for VOA, which has historically relied on wire services to supplement its coverage in regions where it lacks direct reporting capabilities. Wire services like AP and Reuters provide comprehensive global coverage through written articles, audio clips, and video content that many outlets use to enhance their reporting.

Critics have raised concerns about whether VOA’s in-house resources will be sufficient to maintain the breadth and depth of its coverage without external support. However, Lake emphasized that the move would streamline operations and ensure accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Direction

Lake’s appointment as head of VOA reflects broader changes under the Trump administration within the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other affiliates like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Before officially taking over as director, Lake served as a special advisor at USAGM. Her leadership marks a decisive shift in asserting control over VOA’s operations and priorities.

In addition to terminating wire service contracts, Lake has hinted at uncovering inefficiencies within VOA’s operations that she believes should not be funded by taxpayers. Her statements suggest further reforms may be forthcoming.

Broader Context

VOA has long been a key player in delivering news from an American perspective to audiences worldwide. Its programming spans radio, television, and digital platforms in multiple languages. However, budgetary constraints have led to reductions in services over the years. The latest decision aligns with broader efforts by the U.S. government to streamline spending across federally funded agencies.

While some view this move as a necessary cost-saving measure, others worry it could limit VOA’s ability to fulfill its mission of providing accurate and unbiased news globally

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Tags: Voice of America, Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Kari Lake, U.S. Agency for Global Media, cost-cutting measures