A flag and a sign of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. – David W Cerny/Reuters
Leaders of several US-funded international networks have instructed their organizations to continue broadcasting in defiance of a Trump administration order. They believe that the recent terminations were unlawful, as reported by a source familiar with the situation.
The affected entities, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, are maintaining operations globally while their executives weigh their next steps, including potential legal action.
Lisa Curtis, chair of the board of Radio Free Europe, stated on LinkedIn that their legal team is ready to take necessary steps to ensure the continuation of RFE/RL’s Congressionally authorized mission.
The source speaking to CNN anonymously did not confirm if or when a formal legal challenge would be pursued. In the interim, the broadcasters are covering the uncertainty surrounding their future.
On Tuesday morning, the English-language edition of Radio Free Asia’s website highlighted concerns from “Asian dissidents” and activists regarding the funding freeze.
President Trump issued an executive order on Friday night calling for the dissolution of the US Agency for Global Media and other federal agencies. The next morning, Voice of America journalists were instructed to cease work immediately, with employees placed on administrative leave. Some were officially dismissed on Sunday, while others are in limbo.
Voice of America’s website remains static, displaying outdated articles, despite developments since Saturday.
While VOA employees are federal government staff, allowing for swift action by Trump loyalist Kari Lake, the agency’s other networks operate as nonprofit organizations funded through federal grants, providing a level of separation.
Lake informed the networks on Saturday that their grants were terminated abruptly, with suggestions to refund any remaining funds.
Despite the sudden disruption, journalists at the networks are committed to their mission of providing uncensored news coverage to restricted regions. Radio Free Asia reported that staff continued working on Monday, awaiting information on how the funding freeze might affect operations.
Executives are working to manage remaining funds carefully in response to Lake’s directive. Questions remain about Lake’s authority to order the freeze and the adherence to Congressional appropriations laws.
The networks are navigating challenges while striving to uphold their vital work amid uncertain circumstances.
The Foreign Service Mission, representing some VOA employees, stated that the “unilateral removal of essential functions from a congressionally established agency is a challenge to the constitutional separation of powers.” A spokesperson for USAGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In Washington on Monday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the rapid dismantling of the agency as “a fluid situation.”
Safety concerns have been raised by individuals familiar with the situations in Europe and Asia, fearing that some journalists may be left in dangerous circumstances due to the funding freeze. In particular, Russian-born journalists living in exile in Europe and working for Radio Free Europe could face imprisonment if they were to return to their homeland. These journalists risk visa expirations, leaving them in a legal grey area without further support in their current countries of residence, potentially leading to statelessness or deportation.
Citizens of authoritarian countries are feeling extremely vulnerable as their safe haven may be disrupted. While European countries may potentially establish legal pathways for the most at-risk journalists, no agreements have been reached yet. European lawmakers and diplomats have shown support for Radio Free Europe since Saturday, suggesting that Europe could step in to provide funding to compensate for the American withdrawal.
Russian-American journalist Alsu Kermasheva emphasized the vital role Radio Free Europe plays in providing essential information to audiences in Russia, Iran, and other countries. She warned that without these networks, there would be a significant void in global media that could be filled by Russian and Chinese propaganda. Kermasheva expressed the urgency for financial and legal support for the embattled broadcaster, highlighting the importance of maintaining operations. To stay updated with CNN news and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
