Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the US is strategically bringing back Voice of America’s (VOA) Persian-language service to provide counter-programming to Iranian state media. This move comes after employees of VOA’s Persian wing were placed on administrative leave for three months, causing a significant loss in audience and credibility.
The Recall Decision
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has swiftly called back the 75 full-time employees within VOA’s Persian service, following the exchange of missile strikes between Iran and Israel. This decision was communicated via an email from USAGM’s human resources department, instructing the employees to report to their duty stations immediately.
The Impact of Executive Orders
President Donald Trump’s executive order on March 15 led to the shutdown of VOA’s Persian service as part of the dismantling of U.S.-backed global media. The subsequent legal battles and discussions of company-wide reductions-in-force have further disrupted VOA’s operations.
Call for Full Reinstatement
Patsy Widakuswara, a lead plaintiff in VOA’s lawsuit against the Trump administration, emphasizes the need to bring back the entire VOA team to regain lost audience and credibility. With the conflict intensifying, VOA’s reliance on contractors for coverage has been hindered by recent terminations.
Challenges and Criticisms
The decision to recall VOA’s Persian service employees has been met with criticism, citing the administration’s inconsistent actions that have resulted in financial losses and inefficiencies. The ongoing firing and rehiring pattern has raised concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse within the organization.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the reinstatement of VOA’s Persian service highlights the strategic importance of independent media in providing accurate and timely information to audiences in conflict zones.
