The NY Times National December 13, 2018 print edition ran a
below the fold, page 1 article “Troubled Vessel for US Ideals Faces New Tilt”,
the same article on line was titled: Troubled by Lapses, Government’s Voice to
the World Braces for New Trump Management” (see: https://nyti.ms/2RW3G5B, which is also a
photo source).
The Voice of America (VOA) mission is “Since
its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing
comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth.”
It self describes itself as “Voice of
America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and
information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of more
than 275 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and
radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social
media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on
a network of approximately 2,200 affiliate stations.”
(source: https://www.insidevoa.com/p/5831.html)
The VOA prides itself as having a
firewall that “prohibits interference by U.S. government”.
The Times report not only illustrates
some cracks in the all, but a bevy of misconduct that has severely tarnished
the VOA’s reputation. In 2013, none other than Hillary Clinton declared that
the Board of Governors of the VOA “practically defunct in terms of its capacity
to be able to tell a message around the world”. You can hear it for yourself
at: http://bit.ly/2BfCqrS, which is also a
photo source)
Clearly the task of blending journalism
with political messaging is fraught with challenges. The success of
journalistic message ultimately rests with their reputation for truth. While
there is not doubt that message selection, wording, tone and visuals shape that
message, influence efforts are based on truth.
The NY Times and others are more than a
little concerned that as the political appointees of President Trump assume
their roles, the definition of ‘truth’ will slip far to the right. Michael
Pack, the nominee for VOA Board of Governors CEO ‘runs a conservative film
making business in his home. You can check out his company and spouse/VP at: https://manifoldproductions.com/aboutus.html
It’s hard enough developing content
that appeals to foreign audiences. Content that is liberally (pardon me) laced
with clearly self-serving government interest as expressed by Mr. Trump’s desire
for “our own Worldwide Network to show the World the way we really are, GREAT” is
doomed to failure before it starts (see: http://bit.ly/2RW9zjd,
also a photo source.)
VOA is a proof of concept, albeit a bad
one, that the US government (USG) is unable to perform even rudimentary,
country focused, radio based influence operations. It’s no wonder that cyber
influence remains even more elusive.
1 comment:
Killer post Larry. Well done.
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