Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is a U.S. government-funded organization that provides news, information, and analysis to regions where access to free and independent media is limited or banned. Operating in 23 countries, RFE/RL broadcasts in 27 languages to bring critical news and discussions to areas where government censorship or underdeveloped press freedom exists.
Mission
The mission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is to serve as a source of uncensored news and open debate in regions where the free flow of information is restricted or not fully developed. By providing accurate journalism, RFE/RL promotes democratic values, supports civil society development, and counters disinformation, thereby contributing to a better-informed public capable of making decisions based on factual information.[1]
Parent organization
RFE/RL is part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees all U.S. government-funded international broadcasting.[2]
Legislation
RFE/RL was not created by a specific piece of legislation but evolved from Cold War-era initiatives to counter Soviet propaganda. Its operations are supported under the broader framework of U.S. international broadcasting policy.
Partners
- Collaborates with local journalists and media outlets in its broadcast regions[3]
- Works with various international organizations to enhance journalism and media freedom.
Number of employees
RFE/RL has approximately 1,700 employees.[4]
Organization structure
Leader
RFE/RL is led by a **President**.
Divisions
- **News and Current Affairs** responsible for daily news reporting across various platforms.
- **Language Services** which manage broadcasts in 27 languages tailored to local cultures and contexts.
- **Technology and Digital Media** for managing online presence and innovative broadcasting methods.
List of programs
- News Now - Provides up-to-date news coverage[5]
- Current Time - A Russian-language news program in partnership with Voice of America[6]
- Radio Azadi - Provides news and information for Afghanistan[7]
Last total enacted budget
In FY 2019, RFE/RL's budget was approximately $124 million.[8]
Staff
RFE/RL employs around 1,700 staff members, including journalists, editors, producers, and digital media specialists, spread across its headquarters in Prague and various local bureaus.
Funding
RFE/RL is funded by the U.S. Congress through grants managed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media. Historically, it received covert funding from the CIA until 1971, after which it transitioned to open Congressional appropriations.
Services provided
RFE/RL provides services through radio, television, and digital platforms, offering news, in-depth analysis, and cultural programming. This includes daily news broadcasts, special reports on human rights, and cultural shows that resonate with local audiences, all aimed at promoting a free press where it is restricted.
Regulations overseen
RFE/RL does not oversee regulations but operates under U.S. broadcasting policies and international standards of journalism.
Headquarters address
Vinohradská 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic
History
Founded during the Cold War, RFE began in 1949 to counter Soviet propaganda in Eastern Europe, while RL was established in 1951 to broadcast to the Soviet Union. The two merged in 1976 to form RFE/RL, focusing on providing an alternative news source to regions with limited media freedom. Over time, RFE/RL has adapted to new media landscapes, expanding its digital presence to reach broader audiences.
External links
References
- ↑ "Mission Statement". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://www.rferl.org/a/mission-statement/27823603.html.
- ↑ "Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty". U.S. Agency for Global Media. https://www.usagm.gov/networks/rferl/.
- ↑ "Local Partners and Cooperation". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://pressroom.rferl.org/local-partners-and-cooperation.
- ↑ "About RFE/RL". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://about.rferl.org/about-rferl.
- ↑ "News Now". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://www.rferl.org/programs/news-now/.
- ↑ "Current Time". Current Time TV. https://www.currenttime.tv/.
- ↑ "Radio Azadi". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://www.azadiradio.org/.
- ↑ "USAGM 2019 Annual Report". U.S. Agency for Global Media. https://www.usagm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/USAGM-2019-Annual-Report.pdf.