A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must restore news programming at Voice of America (VOA), which the administration had significantly reduced. The court found that the agency’s news coverage had been cut to a fraction of its former level, violating legal obligations. In its ruling, the judge emphasized that the government had a duty to ensure the agency fulfilled its mandate as a public broadcasting service.
The administration had shut down nearly all news programming at VOA and placed most employees on paid leave since March. This action has drawn criticism from media watchdogs and legal experts, who argue that it undermines the agency’s role in providing independent international news coverage. The judge’s order to restore programming is likely to intensify legal scrutiny of the administration’s actions in the ongoing case against VOA.
VOA is a U.S. government-funded international news service, and its reduced programming has raised concerns about its ability to continue its mission of informing global audiences. The administration’s attempt to limit the agency’s operations has sparked debate about the broader implications for press freedom and the role of government-funded media.