Full History Of Voice of America In Timeline From 1939

1939: FCC Sets Policy Enforcing Good Neighbor Policy

In 1939, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set a policy intended to enforce the US State Department's Good Neighbor Policy, which some broadcasters viewed as censorship.

1940: Shortwave Signals to Latin America Deemed Vital

Around 1940, shortwave signals to Latin America were considered vital to counter Nazi propaganda. Edmund A. Chester supervised the development of CBS's extensive "La Cadena de las Américas" radio network to improve broadcasting to South America during the 1940s.

December 1941: U.S. Government Provides War News to Commercial Stations

In December 1941, even before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government's Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI) began providing war news and commentary to commercial American shortwave radio stations on a voluntary basis.

1941: Asian Transmissions Started

Asian transmissions started with one transmitter in California in 1941; services were expanded by adding transmitters in Hawaii and, after recapture, the Philippines.

February 1, 1942: First Broadcast to Germany: Stimmen aus Amerika

On February 1, 1942, the first broadcast to Germany, called "Stimmen aus Amerika" (Voices from America), was transmitted. It was introduced by the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and included a pledge to always tell the truth about the war.

1942: VOA Established During World War II

In 1942, during World War II, Voice of America (VOA) was established to combat Axis misinformation using shortwave radio and promote American culture through music programs.

1942: VOA becomes part of the Office of War Information

In 1942, from its founding, Voice of America became part of the Office of War Information.

1942: Office of War Information Takes Over VOA Operations

In the middle of 1942, the Office of War Information (OWI) officially took over VOA's operations. VOA reached an agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation to share medium-wave transmitters in Great Britain, and expanded into Tunis in North Africa and Palermo and Bari, Italy, as the Allies captured these territories.

1942: Viva America Show Featured on CBS

Viva America, a musical show, which featured the Pan American Orchestra and the artistry of several noted musicians from both North and South America, started airing on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in 1942.

1944: Bethany Relay Station becomes operational

In 1944, The Bethany Relay Station became operational on a site in Butler County, Ohio.

1945: Viva America Broadcasts Carried by 114 Stations in Latin America

By 1945, broadcasts of the Viva America show were carried by 114 stations on CBS's "La Cadena de las Américas" network in 20 Latin American nations.

1945: VOA Services Discontinued and Transferred to US Department of State

By the end of the war in 1945, VOA had 39 transmitters and provided service in 40 languages. About half of VOA's services, including the Arabic service, were discontinued in 1945 and VOA was transferred to the US Department of State.

1945: VOA becomes a function of the State Department

In 1945, Voice of America became a function of the State Department.

1947: VOA Starts Broadcasting to Soviet Citizens

In 1947, VOA started broadcasting to Soviet citizens in Russia to counter Soviet propaganda.

1948: Charles W. Thayer Headed VOA

Charles W. Thayer headed VOA in 1948-49.

1948: Voice of America was forbidden to broadcast directly to American citizens under the Smith-Mundt Act

From 1948, Voice of America was forbidden to broadcast directly to American citizens, pursuant to § 501 of the Smith–Mundt Act. The intent was to protect the American public from propaganda by its own government.

April 24, 1949: Soviet Union Initiates Electronic Jamming of VOA Broadcasts

On April 24, 1949, the Soviet Union responded to VOA broadcasts by initiating electronic jamming.

1949: Foy Kohler Becomes Director of VOA

In 1949, Foy Kohler became the director of VOA and strongly believed that the VOA was serving its purpose of aiding in the fight against communism.

January 1, 1950: Arabic Service Resumed

The Arabic service resumed on January 1, 1950, with a half-hour program.

August 1952: Billy Brown Hosted Program Sharing Everyday Happenings in Yorktown Heights, New York

From August 1952 through May 1953, Billy Brown, a high school senior in Westchester County, New York, had a Monday night program in which he shared everyday happenings in Yorktown Heights, New York.

1952: Voice of America Used Converted U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Courier

Between 1952 and 1960, Voice of America used a converted U.S. Coast Guard cutter Courier as a first mobile broadcasting ship.

1952: VOA Receives Thousands of Letters from Listeners

In 1952, the VOA received 30,000 letters a month from listeners all over the world, and hundreds of thousands of requests for broadcasting schedules. There was an analysis done of some of those letters sent in 1952 and 1953 while Kohler was still director.

March 1953: VOA Personnel Subjected to McCarthyist Policies

During 1953, VOA personnel were subjected to McCarthyist policies, where VOA was accused by Senator Joseph McCarthy, Roy Cohn, and Gerard David Schine of intentionally planning to build weak transmitting stations to sabotage VOA broadcasts. However, the charges were dropped after one month of court hearings in February and March 1953.

May 1953: Billy Brown's Program Ended Due to Popularity

In May 1953, Billy Brown's program ended due to its popularity: his "chatty narratives" attracted so much fan mail, VOA couldn't afford the $500 a month in clerical and postage costs required to respond to listeners' letters.

1953: VOA Personnel Subjected to McCarthyist Policies

During 1953, VOA personnel were subjected to McCarthyist policies, where VOA was accused by Senator Joseph McCarthy, Roy Cohn, and Gerard David Schine of intentionally planning to build weak transmitting stations to sabotage VOA broadcasts. However, the charges were dropped after one month of court hearings in February and March 1953.

1953: VOA placed under the U.S. Information Agency

In 1953, VOA was placed under the U.S. Information Agency.

1953: Analysis of Listener Letters

In 1953, an analysis of listener letters sent in 1952 and 1953 found that letter writing could be an indicator of successful, actionable persuasion, and that broadcasts in different countries were having different effects.

1954: VOA Headquarters Moved to Washington D.C.

Around 1954, VOA's headquarters were moved from New York to Washington D.C.

1955: VOA Broadcasts American Jazz on Voice of America Jazz Hour

From 1955 until 2003, VOA broadcast American jazz on the Voice of America Jazz Hour.

1956: Hungarian Revolution of 1956

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, VOA's broadcasts were deemed controversial, as Hungarian refugees and revolutionaries thought that VOA served as a medium and insinuated the possible arrival of the Western aid.

1956: Arabic Program Expands During Suez Crisis

During the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Arabic program grew to 14.5 hours daily.

1956: Program Aimed at South Africa Broadcast Two Hours Nightly

In 1956, a program aimed at South Africa broadcast two hours nightly, and special programs such as The Newport Jazz Festival were also transmitted.

1956: Polish People's Republic stopped jamming VOA transmissions

In 1956, the Polish People's Republic ceased its jamming of Voice of America transmissions. Also in 1956, Chinese-language VOA broadcasts began to be jammed.

1958: Arabic Program Reduced

By 1958, the Arabic program was six hours a day.

1959: VOA Director commissions statement of principles

In 1959, under the Eisenhower administration, VOA Director Henry Loomis commissioned a formal statement of principles to protect the integrity of VOA programming and define the organization's mission.

1960: Voice of America Used Converted U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Courier

Between 1952 and 1960, Voice of America used a converted U.S. Coast Guard cutter Courier as a first mobile broadcasting ship.

1960: VOA Statement of Principles issued as a directive

In 1960, Director George V. Allen issued the formal statement of principles as a directive.

1962: USIA Director endorses VOA statement of principles

In 1962, USIA director Edward R. Murrow endorsed the VOA statement of principles.

1963: Major transmitter upgrades at Bethany Relay Station

Around 1963, major transmitter upgrades were undertaken at the Bethany Relay Station, including building and upgrading shortwave and medium-wave transmitters.

1963: VOA covered Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

In 1963, Voice of America covered Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, marking a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

1969: VOA broadcasted Neil Armstrong's first walk on the Moon

In 1969, Voice of America broadcasted Neil Armstrong's first walk on the Moon, drawing an estimated audience of 615 to 750 million people worldwide.

1973: Soviet Union stopped jamming of the VOA

In 1973, due to the détente policies in the Cold War, Soviet jamming of Voice of America broadcasts ceased.

1974: Staff included former members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and US-educated staff without strong political involvement in the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution

In 1982, the Amharic Service was started. From 1982 to 1986 its staff included former members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and US-educated staff without strong political involvement in the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution and the associated student movement of the revolutionary period.

1976: VOA Charter Mandates Accurate, Objective, and Comprehensive Reporting

In 1976, the VOA charter was established, mandating that its reporting be accurate, objective, and comprehensive.

1976: End of Chinese-language VOA broadcasts jamming

In 1976, the jamming of Chinese-language Voice of America broadcasts, which had started in 1956, came to an end.

1976: The Voice of America "Firewall" was put in place with the 1976 VOA Charter

The Voice of America "Firewall" was put in place in 1976 with the VOA Charter as a way of ensuring the integrity of VOA's journalism.

1979: Soviet Union restarted jamming of the VOA

In 1979, the Soviet Union restarted jamming of Voice of America broadcasts, ending the period of détente.

September 1980: VOA started broadcasting to Afghanistan in Dari

In September 1980, Voice of America began broadcasting to Afghanistan in the Dari language.

1981: VOA opened a bureau in Beijing, China

In 1981, Voice of America established a bureau in Beijing, China, marking an expansion of its presence in Asia.

1982: VOA began broadcasting to Afghanistan in Pashto and started regular exchanges with Radio Peking

In 1982, Voice of America began broadcasting to Afghanistan in the Pashto language. Also in 1982, VOA started regular exchanges with Radio Peking.

1982: Amharic Service started

In 1982, the Amharic Service was started. From 1982 to 1986 its staff included former members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and US-educated staff without strong political involvement in the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution.

1983: VOA begins upgrades to transmission facilities

Between 1983 and 1990, VOA made significant upgrades to transmission facilities in Botswana, Morocco, Thailand, Kuwait, and São Tomé.

1983: VOA's Polish broadcasts expanded to seven hours daily during the Martial law in Poland

In 1983, during the implementation of Martial law in Poland, Voice of America's Polish broadcasts were expanded to seven hours daily to provide more comprehensive coverage.

1985: Creation of VOA Europe

In 1985, Voice of America Europe was created as a special service in English, relayed via satellite to AM, FM, and cable affiliates throughout Europe, presenting top musical hits, VOA news, and features of local interest 24 hours a day.

1986: Amharic Service criticism of Ethiopian government increases

From 1986 to 1996, the Amharic service opposed the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)/Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which took control of Ethiopia in 1991.

1989: VOA expanded Mandarin and Cantonese programming to reach Chinese and inform about the pro-democracy movement

In 1989, Voice of America expanded its Mandarin and Cantonese programming to reach millions of Chinese citizens and inform them about the pro-democracy movement, including the demonstration in Tiananmen Square.

1990: VOA completes upgrades to transmission facilities

Between 1983 and 1990, VOA made significant upgrades to transmission facilities in Botswana, Morocco, Thailand, Kuwait, and São Tomé.

1990: Establishment of the Bureau of Broadcasting

Starting in 1990, the U.S. consolidated its international broadcasting efforts with the establishment of the Bureau of Broadcasting.

1991: The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)/Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) took control of Ethiopia

From 1986 to 1996, the Amharic service opposed the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)/Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which took control of Ethiopia in 1991.

1993: Clinton administration advised cutting funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

In 1993, the Clinton administration advised cutting funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, believing that post-Cold War information and influence were not needed in Europe.

1994: Laws passed to ensure VOA journalistic integrity

In 1994, Laws were passed to assist in ensuring high standards of journalism at VOA.

1994: Bethany Relay Station ceases operation

In 1994, The Bethany Relay Station ceased operation. The site is now a recreational park with a Voice of America museum.

1994: US President Bill Clinton signed into law the International Broadcasting Act

In 1994, US President Bill Clinton proposed the compromise of the International Broadcasting Act, which he signed into law. This law established the International Broadcasting Bureau as a part of the United States Information Agency (USIA), and established the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) with oversight authority.

1994: VOA became the first broadcast-news organization to offer continuously updated programs on the Internet

In 1994, Voice of America became the first broadcast-news organization to offer continuously updated programs on the Internet.

1994: U.S. International Broadcasting Act Prohibits Editorial Interference

In 1994, the U.S. International Broadcasting Act was enacted, prohibiting editorial interference by government officials in VOA's reporting.

1996: Horn of Africa service described as 'essentially ungovernable'

Annette Sheckler described the Horn of Africa service during an 18-month period in 1996–98 as "essentially ungovernable" with a "legacy of personal animosity, hostility and complete lack of professionalism".

January 1997: VOA Europe closed down as a cost-cutting measure

In January 1997, Voice of America Europe was closed down without advance public notice as a cost-cutting measure.

November 20, 1998: Annette Sheckler fired from Horn of Africa service

On November 20, 1998, Annette Sheckler, who led Horn of Africa service, was fired, officially for "a lack of professional journalistic ethics"; she describes the reason for her firing as "telling the truth".

1998: The Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act was signed into law

In 1998, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act was signed into law, mandating that the BBG become an independent federal agency as of October 1, 1999. This act also abolished the USIA, and merged most of its functions into those of the State Department.

July 4, 1999: VOA Express revamped into VOA Music Mix

On July 4, 1999, VOA Express was revamped into VOA Music Mix.

October 1, 1999: BBG became an independent federal agency

On October 1, 1999, the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) became an independent federal agency, as mandated by the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act.

1999: VOA placed under the BBG after USIA abolition

In 1999, upon the abolition of the USIA, VOA was placed under the BBG, an autonomous U.S. government agency. The BBG serves as a buffer to protect VOA from political interference.

2000: VOA's impact on Kurds and Kurdistan

In 2000, Kurdish Life published that VOA's service in Iran was negatively impacting Kurds and Kurdistan by exacerbating conflict between the Talabani and the Barzani, covering up wrongful imprisonments and arrests, and encouraging the building of extremist mosques.

2002: The Arabic Service was abolished and replaced by the Middle East Radio Network or Radio Sawa

In 2002, the Arabic Service was abolished and replaced by a new radio service, called the Middle East Radio Network or Radio Sawa, with an initial budget of $22 million, offering mostly Western and Middle Eastern popular songs with periodic brief news bulletins.

2003: VOA Broadcasts American Jazz on Voice of America Jazz Hour

From 1955 until 2003, VOA broadcast American jazz on the Voice of America Jazz Hour.

February 2004: Radio Sawa expanded to television with Alhurra

In February 2004, Radio Sawa expanded to television with the launch of Alhurra.

May 2004: Worldnet became part of VOA as "VOA TV"

In May 2004, the US government's international English language TV service Worldnet became part of Voice of America as "VOA TV".

April 2, 2007: VOA Persian service interview with Abdul Malik Rigi

On April 2, 2007, Abdul Malik Rigi, leader of Jundullah, appeared on Voice of America's Persian-language service, which drew condemnation from the Iranian government due to Jundullah's attacks on Iranian military and civilians.

2008: Kosovo Republic of Kosovo

In 2008, Kosovo became the Republic of Kosovo.

2008: Radio programs in several languages ended

In 2008, as part of an effort to allocate resources to broadcasts in the Muslim world, Voice of America radio programs in Russian, Hindi, Ukrainian, Serbian, Macedonian and Bosnian came to an end.

September 2010: VOA began radio broadcasts in Sudan

In September 2010, Voice of America began radio broadcasts in Sudan.

2010: Execution of Abdul Malik Rigi

In 2010, Abdul Malik Rigi, who had appeared on VOA in 2007, was executed in Evin Prison in Tehran after being captured by Iranian security services.

2012: Peter Heinlein led the Amharic service

From 2012 to 2014 Peter Heinlein led the Amharic service.

February 2013: China Central Television accuses VOA of instigating self-immolations

In February 2013, China Central Television released a documentary alleging that VOA's broadcasts motivated a Tibetan to attempt self-immolation. VOA denied the accusation and demanded a retraction.

March 2013: VOA Radiogram Program Started

In March 2013, VOA Radiogram, an experimental Voice of America program, began transmitting digital text and images via shortwave radiograms.

2013: Complaint about the service was written

In 2013, Peter Heinlein wrote a complaint about the service, citing role confusion whereby non-journalist translators took on the role of journalists.

2013: Budget cuts led VOA to end foreign-language transmissions on shortwave and medium wave

In 2013, budget cuts led Voice of America to end foreign-language transmissions on shortwave and medium wave to Albania, Georgia, Iran, and Latin America, as well as English-language broadcasts to the Middle East and Afghanistan.

2013: Amendment of the Smith-Mundt Act

In 2013, the Smith-Mundt Act was amended via the passage of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, allowing American citizens access to VOA content. The amendment adapted the law to the Internet.

November 1, 2014: VOA Music Mix rebranded as VOA1

Since November 1, 2014, stations are offered VOA1, which is a rebranding of VOA Music Mix.

2014: VOA website offers five English-language broadcasts

As of 2014, the Voice of America website had five English-language broadcasts (worldwide, Learning English, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and Tibet).

2014: Peter Heinlein led the Amharic service

From 2012 to 2014 Peter Heinlein led the Amharic service.

2014: Most of VOA's English-language transmissions to Asia were cut

In 2014, most of Voice of America's English-language transmissions to Asia were cut, as well as shortwave transmissions in Azerbaijani, Bengali, Khmer, Kurdish, Lao, Uzbek, and Greek.

2015: VOA DEEWA Radio's reception in Pakistan

In 2015, VOA's DEEWA Radio in Pakistan faced mixed reactions, with some listeners suspecting it of promoting an American agenda, while others felt it empowered them by giving a voice to the voiceless.

January 2016: Jeff Shell deported from Russia

In January 2016, upon his arrival in Moscow, Russian authorities detained and then deported Jeff Shell, the Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors that oversees the Voice of America, despite his having a valid Russian visa, without providing an explanation.

2016: Laws passed to ensure VOA journalistic integrity

In 2016, Laws were passed to assist in ensuring high standards of journalism at VOA.

2016: VOA's Weekly Worldwide Audience Reaches 237 Million

In 2016, VOA's weekly worldwide audience reached approximately 237 million

January 2017: Concerns over possible attempts by President Trump to politicize VOA

After the January 2017 inauguration of US President Donald Trump, tweets by Voice of America seemed to support debunked claims, raising concerns over possible attempts by Trump to politicize VOA.

February 7, 2017: Current Time begins round-the-clock broadcasting

On February 7, 2017, Current Time began broadcasting 24/7.

April 19, 2017: VOA Mandarin Service interviews Guo Wengui, interview halted

On April 19, 2017, the VOA Mandarin Service interviewed Chinese real estate tycoon Guo Wengui live, who made allegations of corruption among Chinese officials. The interview was halted prematurely, and subsequent investigations concluded the decision was based on journalistic practices, not Chinese government pressure.

June 2017: VOA Radiogram program ended

In June 2017, the experimental Voice of America program VOA Radiogram came to an end, after 220 editions transmitted each weekend from the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station.

June 25, 2017: Shortwave Radiogram began transmission

On June 25, 2017, Shortwave Radiogram, a follow-on show to VOA Radiogram, began transmission from the WRMI transmitting site in Okeechobee, Florida.

December 2017: VOA deemed a "foreign agent" in Russia

In December 2017, Voice of America was designated as a "foreign agent" in Russia under the Russian foreign agent law, following a new directive from the Kremlin.

2018: VOA Africa division head meets with Ethiopian prime minister

In 2018, Negussie Mengesha, the head of the VOA Africa division for several years, met the newly appointed Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed.

2018: Pakistan blocks VOA Pashto and Urdu website

In 2018, Pakistani authorities blocked the website of VOA's Pashto and Urdu language radio service.

April 2020: White House critical of VOA coverage of the coronavirus pandemic

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House published an article in its daily newsletter critical of Voice of America coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told agency employees to deny interview requests by VOA.

June 3, 2020: Michael Pack confirmed as head of US Agency for Global Media

On June 3, 2020, Michael Pack was confirmed by the US Senate to serve as head of the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America. Subsequently, Director Bennet and deputy director Sandy Sugawara resigned from VOA.

November 2020: US District Court Judge Beryl Howell found Pack violated the First Amendment rights of VOA journalists

In November 2020, US District Court Judge Beryl Howell found that Michael Pack violated the First Amendment rights of Voice of America journalists.

December 2020: Pack refused to cooperate with President-elect Biden's transition team

In December 2020, Michael Pack refused to cooperate with President-elect Biden's transition team and replaced VOA Acting Director Biberaj with Robert Reilly.

January 11, 2021: VOA interim director Reilly orders reporter Patsy Widakuswara off White House beat

On January 11, 2021, VOA interim director Reilly removed veteran reporter Patsy Widakuswara from covering the White House. Following a speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo critical of VOA, and an interview with VOA Director Robert Reilly, Pompeo did not allow Widakuswara to ask questions. Dozens of VOA journalists, including Widakuswara, then petitioned for the resignation of Reilly and public affairs specialist Elizabeth Robbins. House Foreign Affairs Committee leaders supported Widakuswara's reinstatement.

January 2021: Termination of Setareh Derakhshesh Sieg

In January 2021, Setareh Derakhshesh Sieg, the former director of Voice of America's Persian News Network (PNN), was terminated for falsifying her education credentials and corruption-related offenses.

May 2021: VOA's Amharic service accused of bias

In May 2021, several former employees accused VOA's Amharic service, under Negussie Mengesha, of being biased in favor of the government of Ahmed and failing to report on atrocities committed during the Tigray War.

June 2021: Report on investigation into VOA's Amharic service bias during Tigray War

In June 2021, Mail & Guardian reported on an investigation which found that during the Tigray War, the only major foreign news service that was not harassed by Ethiopian security services was VOA.

June 2021: Roskomnadzor complains that VOA refuses to observe Russian law

In June 2021, Russia's state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor complained that the foreign agent Voice of America radio station challengingly refused to observe Russian law because it had not established a Russian legal entity.

2021: Voice of America launched 52 Documentary

In 2021, Voice of America launched 52 Documentary, a series that publishes weekly films about human experiences. The series is presented on the streaming app, VOA+, and YouTube.

February 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased censorship

In February 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to increased censorship by Russian authorities, including the blocking of VOA and other news broadcasters.

March 2022: VOA blocked in Russia

In March 2022, VOA and other news broadcasters were blocked in Russia as Russian authorities increased censorship following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

June 30, 2022: Turkey blocks VOA website

On June 30, 2022, the Turkish media watchdog, RTÜK, blocked access to VOA's website amerikaninsesi.com in Turkey because VOA had not applied for the necessary license, which would subject VOA to certain obligations.

2022: VOA's Weekly Worldwide Audience Reaches 326 Million

As of 2022, VOA's weekly worldwide audience reached approximately 326 million, with a staff of 961 and an annual budget of $267.5 million.

May 2023: Russia bans Yolanda Lopez

In May 2023, Russia banned then-acting VOA chief Yolanda Lopez from ever entering the country.

August 2023: Turkey blocks voaturkce.com

In August 2023, Turkey blocked voaturkce.com, another VOA website domain, after previously blocking amerikaninsesi.com in June 2022.

October 7, 2023: Hamas attack on Israel prompts VOA guidance

On October 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, VOA issued guidance to its staff regarding the terminology to use when referring to the events and members of Hamas, leading to criticism and debate over journalistic objectivity.

June 12, 2024: House Committee concludes "credible evidence of corruption"

On June 12, 2024, the House Foreign Affairs Committee concluded that there was "credible evidence of corruption" regarding Setareh Derakhshesh Sieg, the former director of Voice of America's Persian News Network (PNN), who was terminated in January 2021.

July 2024: Michael Abramowitz assumes position as VOA Director

In July 2024, Michael Abramowitz became the director of VOA. Previously, he was the president of Freedom House and spent nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for The Washington Post.

December 2024: Donald Trump announces Kari Lake as his choice for VOA Director

In December 2024, Donald Trump, as president-elect, announced Kari Lake as his choice for VOA Director. Lake had previously called for imprisoning journalists and advanced false claims about election losses. However, under the International Broadcasting Act, only the International Broadcasting Advisory Board can approve the appointment or removal of the VOA Director.

December 2024: Trump announces Kari Lake as VOA Director nominee

In December 2024, then president-elect Trump announced his intention to appoint Kari Lake as the director of VOA. However, the International Broadcasting Act stipulates that only the International Broadcasting Advisory Board has the authority to approve the appointment or removal of the VOA Director.

2024: Value of the money spent jamming VOA transmissions in Russia in 1956 adjusted for inflation

In 2024, the $125 million spent by the Russians in 1956 to jam Voice of America transmissions is equivalent to $1.2 billion when adjusted for inflation.

February 2025: Elon Musk calls for VoA and Radio Free Europe to shut down

In February 2025, Elon Musk, called for VoA and Radio Free Europe to shut down. Also in February 2025, a chief national correspondent was placed on paid absence and veteran reporter Patsy Widakuswara was reassigned from the White House beat. A Trump administration official called the VOA chief correspondent's comments "treasonous".

March 14, 2025: VOA Journalists Placed on Administrative Leave

On March 14, 2025, almost all of VOA's 1,300 journalists, producers, and assistants were placed on administrative leave.

March 2025: Reports of internal issues at VOA surface

In March 2025, it was reported that at VOA, a chief national correspondent was placed on paid absence and veteran reporter Patsy Widakuswara was reassigned from the White House beat. It was also reported that at least two articles containing criticism of Trump were not published or were changed after publication.

March 2025: Lawsuits filed against Trump administration regarding VOA

In March 2025, lawsuits were filed against the Trump administration due to actions impacting VOA. One lawsuit highlighted the risks faced by foreign national VOA employees with J-1 visas. The District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the administration from taking further actions like terminating staff or closing offices.

April 22, 2025: Federal ruling orders restoration of VOA

On April 22, 2025, a federal court ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered the Trump administration to restore VOA and reinstate its employees and contractors.