USAGM, acronym for the United States Agency for Global Media, refers to an independent government agency responsible for international broadcasting and public diplomacy efforts on behalf of the United States. Established in August 2018, it operates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and exercises editorial independence from the government. The USAGM focuses primarily on promoting democracy and the ideals of freedom of speech and press across the globe.
The agency oversees multiple media outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) that includes Radio and TV Marti. Through these entities, the USAGM aims to provide unbiased news, information, and analysis to audiences worldwide, including regions where free media may be limited.
USAGM's mission is to engage, inform, and connect people through accurate, objective, and comprehensive news and programming, promoting American values and the principles of democracy. Its content spans a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, economics, health, and human rights. By offering credible news and diverse perspectives, the USAGM hopes to empower individuals with the necessary information to make informed decisions and foster open dialogue in societies.
As an independent agency, USAGM operates with a dedicated budget and a bipartisan governing board, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This structure ensures the agency's editorial independence and shields it from potential government interference, allowing it to effectively fulfill its mission of advancing the principles of democracy and press freedom worldwide.
