DISINFO: The U.S. Agency for Global Media systematically spreads disinformation
SUMMARY
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), known for its Radio Liberty / Radio Free Europe project, systematically spreads disinformation.
RESPONSE
No evidence is provided to support the accusation that USAGM and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty spread disinformation. Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aimed at discrediting Western media and journalists that expose and counter pro-Kremlin propaganda and disinformation by claiming they are Russophobic and spreading disinformation.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), formerly the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), is an independent federal government agency that oversees all U.S. civilian international media. In addition to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), it includes Voice of America, Radio and TV Marti, Radio Free Asia, Alhurra, and Radio Sawa.
RFE/RL journalists report news in 22 countries where a free press is either banned by the government or not fully established. It provides a service that many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussions and open debate. One of the radios’ most successful projects is Current Time, a 24/7 television network in Russian. It was launched in 2014, after the annexation of Crimea and the start of the war in eastern Ukraine. It is an alternative to Kremlin-controlled media. There are some 300 million Russian-speakers in the world, and Current Time goes wherever they are. This includes the Baltics, Moldova, Georgia, Central Asia and even Israel (where 1.5 million people speak Russian).
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