The entire staff of the Voice of America (VOA), the largest international television network funded by the US government, was notified on Saturday that it had been placed on administrative leave.
The notice was sent to them via email by Crystal G. Thomas, director of human resources at the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other government-funded media organizations.
The notice was sent to all full-time VOA employees, from journalists to senior managers, and did not include contract staff whose contracts expire in June, CBS News reported.
As of Saturday, VOA employees have been barred from access to its Washington headquarters, and part-time workers, stringers and those on monthly contracts have also stopped working due to a lack of funding.
The decision follows an executive order by US President Donald Trump on Friday ordering significant budget cuts for USAGM and six other agencies.
“Such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and related personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law,” Trump’s decision said.
The USAGM, which also oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, halted financial support for both of those organizations, affecting broadcasts in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China and North Korea.
Michael Abramowitz, director of Voice of America, expressed his disappointment in a post on LinkedIn.
“I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the famous Voice of America has been silenced,” he said and added:
“I learned this morning that almost the entire Voice of America staff, more than 1,300 reporters, producers and support staff, has been placed on administrative leave today. Me too.”
Abramowitz acknowledged the need for reform of the Voice of America and added that progress has been made, but said current government moves are hindering its ability to carry out its mission, especially at a time when adversaries like Iran, China and Russia are investing heavily in spreading disinformation to undermine the United States.
