The Brussels-based Foreign Correspondents Association (API-IPA) says it stands in “full solidarity” with the journalists and staff of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
This, it states, comes “during this difficult period” in the history of RFE/RL. A statement by API says, “Many of its committed staff have worked here in Brussels.
“The recent decision to terminate funding for RFE/RL, as part of broader cuts to the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), represents a serious setback for independent journalism and the principles of press freedom.”
Further comment comes from Dafydd ab Iago, president of API-IPA.
He said, “Combating disinformation and challenging authoritarian narratives has been the core mission of RFE/RL for over 75 years. Their uncensored news has reached millions in closed societies.
“Access to accurate, impartial and fact-based reporting remains as sorely needed in such closed countries as it is in the United States itself,” said ab Iago.
A statement goes on, “The loss of RFE/RL not only threatens the livelihoods of its employees but also undermines the collective effort to uphold democratic values and counter oppressive regimes. As correspondents who recognise the indispensable role of a free and independent media, we hope that the EU will find ways to help continue the invaluable contributions and expertise that RFE/RL has brought to the broader European and global information landscape.
“To the staff of RFE/RL, both past and present, we extend our deepest gratitude and steadfast support. Your work has had a profound impact, and your voices must not be silenced.”
Main Image: Af Petr Kadlec – Egen affotografering, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4827489
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VoA) were informed on Saturday by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) that their federal grant agreements, which fund their global operations, have been terminated.
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