OAN Provides Newsfeed Services to USAGM Networks Amid Controversy

Kari Lake, senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), announced that One America News Network (OAN) will provide free newsfeed services to several USAGM outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Martí, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. The move, presented as a cost-saving measure for American taxpayers, has generated significant controversy and backlash from VOA staff and media observers, who argue that partnering with the conservative-leaning OAN undermines USAGM’s mandate for independent journalism. Critics point out that OAN has been a vocal supporter of former President Trump and has a history of partisan content, raising concerns about the erosion of VOA's long-standing tradition of impartial reporting. Legal and ethical objections have been raised, with some noting that USAGM is legally required to maintain editorial independence and cannot dictate content from partisan sources. The agreement follows recent layoffs and terminations at USAGM, reportedly part of broader Trump administration efforts to reshape the agency. Lake clarified that, while she lacks editorial control, her role is to broaden the options available to USAGM newsrooms.