Radio Free Asia Halts Operations Following U.S. Funding Cuts

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announced on March 13, 2024, that it will suspend all news production due to the cessation of funding from the United States government. Established nearly thirty years ago, RFA has served as a critical source of information about China and other Asian nations lacking independent media. The broadcaster has already reduced its workforce by over 90 percent, implementing mass layoffs and furloughs in response to significant budget cuts initiated during the administration of former President Donald Trump.

The financial cuts to U.S. government-funded media began in March and have directly impacted RFA’s operations. Following a prolonged shutdown of the federal government, which has persisted for nearly a month, RFA has had no option but to halt all production, marking a significant shift for the organization since it began broadcasting in 1996. The CEO of RFA, Bay Fang, stated that the decision allows remaining funds to be allocated for severance packages for employees who will now be formally released. “Our strategy all along has been to protect our people for as long as possible,” Fang told AFP.

Despite the challenges, RFA is considering new revenue avenues to resume operations. Fang emphasized the urgency of securing funding, saying, “I do feel like it’s a fight against the clock. We have to get this funding as quickly as possible.” Unlike RFA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which has historical roots in Cold War broadcasting, has maintained some operations due to support from European governments, particularly the Czech Republic.

The timing of RFA’s closure is noteworthy, coinciding with diplomatic engagements between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Critics argue that the suspension of RFA is detrimental, particularly for audiences in China, where RFA has been a thorn in the side of the government. The Chinese government has long criticized RFA, labeling it as a source of “false news.” Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of the state-run Global Times, expressed satisfaction over the funding cuts, stating that action against RFA was “truly gratifying.”

Shutting down a media outlet that broadcasts in multiple Asian languages is viewed by some as a concession to authoritarian regimes. Sophie Richardson, co-executive director of the Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders, remarked, “This is a gift to dictators like Xi Jinping,” especially during a time when China has intensified efforts to control information within its borders.

RFA has been instrumental in reporting on sensitive issues, including the mass detention of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Its Uyghur-language service has been one of the few independent sources of news for this community. The organization has also garnered recognition for its journalism, recently winning two Edward R. Murrow Awards for coverage related to the aftermath of the coup in Myanmar.

While RFA has faced significant challenges, it experienced a spike in social media engagement during a recent earthquake in Myanmar. Rohit Mahajan, a spokesperson for RFA, noted, “We saw our numbers really skyrocket in terms of social media engagement because we were that last man standing, so to speak.” This highlights the audience’s demand for coverage on a range of topics, not limited to political affairs.

The future of Radio Free Asia hangs in the balance as it seeks to navigate the complexities of funding and operational sustainability in an increasingly challenging media landscape. The organization remains committed to its mission of providing independent news coverage, but without immediate financial support, its ability to do so is uncertain.