Voice of America to close in 4 countries, including Pakistan

The Trump administration is trying to reduce the global reach of Voice of America.

The Trump administration has decided to close several foreign offices of Voice of America (VOA). Although the country's court ordered the broadcasting organization to maintain full news operations, the decision was taken even after the broadcasting organization's full news operations were ordered.

According to a report in the US media, VOA's parent company and Trump supporter Carrie Lake sent a notice to Congress on November 25. It mentioned plans to close six foreign news bureaus and four foreign marketing offices.

The offices located in Jakarta, Indonesia, Islamabad, Pakistan, Nairobi, Kenya, and Prague, Czech Republic will be closed.

In addition, it has been decided to close VOA radio stations located in Germany, Thailand, and Botswana.

Authorities said that some broadcasting may continue through a contracting system if necessary. But in the long term, their main goal is to significantly reduce VOA's global reach.

The Trump administration first took the initiative to close VOA in March. The plan was described as part of a larger plan to restructure and shrink government-funded media. Radio Free Asia, along with several other international broadcasters, is also targeted by the cuts.

However, in April, a US federal judge blocked Trump's executive order and ordered VOA to resume services. Despite that ruling, the administration is moving ahead with the process of closing the offices, which has raised concerns among lawmakers and media rights groups.

Voice of America operates local-language news programs in many countries around the world. VOA plays an important role, especially in regions where press freedom is limited. Analysts say that closing these foreign bureaus could weaken the US's "soft power." At the same time, millions of listeners and viewers will be deprived of information services.

News from the New York Times.