Radio Free Asia Lays Off 90% Staff Amid Funding Dispute

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a U.S.-funded broadcaster known for promoting democracy and countering authoritarian propaganda, is laying off about 90 percent of its staff and shutting down many language services due to the Trump administration's suspension of congressionally allocated funding. The funding halt, ordered in March as part of broader efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has also impacted other broadcasters like Voice of America and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Despite favorable court rulings for RFA and its peers, the administration has appealed the decisions, leaving the outlets unable to operate fully. As a result, RFA will cease all radio and TV-style broadcasts and shut down several language services, though some digital content will continue. Leaders from affected organizations warn that these cuts could allow adversarial propaganda to go unchecked and endanger journalists operating in repressive countries. The situation has sparked legal battles and urgent appeals to USAGM to restore funding and prevent further reputational and operational harm to U.S. international media efforts.