History of Voice of America in Timeline

Voice of America (VOA) is a U.S. government-funded international broadcaster established in 1942. It's the largest and oldest U.S. international broadcaster, delivering digital, TV, and radio content in 48 languages. VOA primarily targets non-American audiences, especially those in countries with limited press freedom, providing news and information to regions where independent journalism is restricted.

1939: FCC Policy Set

In 1939, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission set a policy intended to enforce the US State Department's Good Neighbor Policy, which some broadcasters felt was an attempt to direct censorship.

1940: Shortwave Signals to Latin America

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

December 1941: Providing War News

Even before the December 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government's Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI) had already begun providing war news and commentary to the commercial American shortwave radio stations for use on a voluntary basis.

1941: Asian Transmissions Started

In 1941, Asian transmissions started with one transmitter in California.

February 1, 1942: First Broadcast to Germany

On February 1, 1942, direct programming began with the first broadcast to Germany, called Stimmen aus Amerika ("Voices from America").

1942: VOA Part of Office of War Information

From its founding in 1942 to 1945, Voice of America was part of the Office of War Information.

1942: VOA Established

In 1942, Voice of America (VOA) was established as an international broadcaster funded by the United States federal government. It became the largest and oldest of the US's existing international broadcasters, producing digital, TV, and radio content in 48 languages for affiliate stations around the world.

1942: VOA Established During World War II

In 1942, during World War II, VOA was established, building on American use of shortwave radio. Initially, it served as an anti-propaganda tool against Axis misinformation and expanded to include American music programs.

1942: VOA Founded to Counter Nazi Propaganda

In 1942, the Voice of America was founded to counter Nazi propaganda during World War II.

1942: Viva America Musical Show

In 1942, the musical show Viva America was part of the cultural diplomacy programming on the Columbia Broadcasting System, featuring the Pan American Orchestra and artists from North and South America.

1942: Office of War Information Takes Over VOA

In mid 1942, the Office of War Information 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 North Africa and Italy.

1944: Bethany Relay Station Operational

The Bethany Relay Station, located in Ohio, became operational in 1944.

1945: Viva America Broadcasts

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

1945: VOA Becomes Function of State Department

From 1945 to 1953, VOA was a function of the State Department.

1945: VOA Services Discontinued

In 1945, about half of VOA's services, including the Arabic service, were discontinued. In late 1945, VOA was transferred to the US Department of State.

1947: VOA Broadcasts to Soviet Citizens

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

1948: Charles W. Thayer Headed VOA

Charles W. Thayer headed VOA in 1948–49.

1948: VOA was forbidden to broadcast directly to American citizens

From 1948 until its amendment in 2013, Voice of America was forbidden to broadcast directly to American citizens, pursuant to § 501 of the Smith–Mundt Act.

April 24, 1949: Soviet Union Initiates 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, which he identified as aiding in the fight against communism.

January 1, 1950: Arabic Service Resumed

On January 1, 1950, the Arabic service resumed with a half-hour program.

August 1952: Billy Brown's Program

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

1952: Mobile Broadcasting Ship

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

1952: Listener Analysis

In 1952, an analysis was done of some of the letters sent to the VOA.

March 1953: Charges Dropped

In February and March 1953, VOA was accused of intentionally planning to build weak transmitting stations to sabotage VOA broadcasts. The charges were dropped after one month of court hearings.

May 1953: Billy Brown's Program Ended

From August 1952 through May 1953, Billy Brown had a Monday night program in which he shared everyday happenings in Yorktown Heights, New York. The program ended due to the high cost of responding to fan mail.

1953: McCarthyist policies

In 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.

1953: VOA Placed Under U.S. Information Agency

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

1953: Letter analysis continuation

In 1953, an analysis was done of some of the letters sent to the VOA.

1954: Headquarters Moved

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

1955: Jazz Hour Broadcast

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

1956: Hungarian Revolution

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, VOA's broadcasts were deemed controversial.

1956: Arabic Program Expansion

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

1956: South Africa Program

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 stopped jamming Voice of America transmissions. Also, Chinese-language VOA broadcasts were jammed starting in 1956.

1958: Arabic Program Reduced

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

1959: VOA Director Loomis Commissions Statement of Principles

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

1960: Mobile Broadcasting Ship

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

1960: Principles Issued as Directive

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

1962: Principles Endorsed by USIA Director Murrow

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

1963: Transmitter Upgrades at Bethany Relay Station

Around 1963, major transmitter upgrades were undertaken at the Bethany Relay Station.

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

In 1963, Voice of America covered Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

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

In 1969, Voice of America covered Neil Armstrong's first walk on the Moon, drawing an audience estimated at between 615 and 750 million people.

1973: Soviet jamming of the VOA ceased

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

1976: Chinese-language VOA broadcasts jammed through 1976

Chinese-language VOA broadcasts were jammed beginning in 1956 and extending through 1976.

1976: VOA Charter Mandate

In 1976, the VOA charter mandated its reporting be "accurate, objective, and comprehensive".

1976: VOA Firewall Established

The Voice of America 'Firewall' was put into place with the 1976 VOA Charter and laws passed in 1994 and 2016 to guard against propaganda while promoting unbiased and objective journalistic standards.

1979: Soviet jamming of the VOA restarted

In 1979, Soviet jamming of the Voice of America restarted.

September 1980: VOA started broadcasting to Afghanistan

In September 1980, Voice of America started broadcasting to Afghanistan in Dari.

1981: VOA opened a bureau in Beijing, China

In 1981, Voice of America opened a bureau in Beijing, China.

1982: VOA started broadcasting in Pashto

In 1982, VOA started broadcasting to Afghanistan in Pashto. The same year, it began regular exchanges with Radio Peking.

1983: Transmission Facility Upgrades Begin

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

1983: VOA's Polish broadcasts expanded

During the implementation of Martial law in Poland between 1981 and 1983, VOA's Polish broadcasts expanded to seven hours daily.

1984: Jolyon Naegele served as the region’s correspondent

Jolyon Naegele served as the region’s correspondent from 1984 to 1994.

1985: VOA Europe was established

In 1985, VOA Europe was established as a special service in English that was relayed via satellite to AM, FM, and cable affiliates throughout Europe.

1989: Voice of America expanded its Mandarin and Cantonese programming

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

1990: Transmission Facility Upgrades Completed

Between 1983 and 1990, VOA made significant upgrades to transmission facilities in various locations including 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.

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.

1994: International Broadcasting Act established

In 1994, US president Bill Clinton proposed the compromise of the International Broadcasting Act, which he signed into law, which established the International Broadcasting Bureau as a part of the United States Information Agency (USIA).

1994: VOA offered 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

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

1994: Jolyon Naegele served as the region’s correspondent

Jolyon Naegele served as the region’s correspondent from 1984 to 1994.

1994: Bethany Relay Station Ceases Operations

The Bethany Relay Station ceased operations in 1994.

January 1997: VOA Europe was closed down

VOA Europe was closed down without advance public notice in January 1997 as a cost-cutting measure.

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

In 1998, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act was signed into law, and mandated that the BBG become an independent federal agency as of October 1, 1999.

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

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

October 1, 1999: BBG became an independent federal agency

The Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act, signed in 1998, mandated that the BBG become an independent federal agency as of October 1, 1999.

1999: VOA Placed Under BBG

When the USIA was abolished in 1999, VOA was placed under the BBG.

2000: Kurdish Life publication claims VOA had negative impact

In 2000, the publication Kurdish Life claimed that VOA's service in Iran had a negative impact on Kurds and Kurdistan, exacerbating conflict and covering up wrongful imprisonments.

2002: Arabic Service abolished

In 2002, the Arabic Service was abolished and replaced by a new radio service, called the Middle East Radio Network or Radio Sawa.

2003: Jazz Hour Broadcast

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 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 VOA as "VOA TV".

April 2, 2007: Abdul Malik Rigi Interview

On April 2, 2007, Abdul Malik Rigi, the leader of Jundullah, appeared on Voice of America's Persian-language service. This interview was condemned by the Iranian government.

2008: Radio programs ended in multiple languages

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

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 appeared on VOA in 2007, was captured by Iranian security services and executed in Evin Prison in Tehran.

February 2013: China Central Television Releases Documentary

In February 2013, a documentary released by China Central Television interviewed a Tibetan alleged self-immolator who survived his suicide attempt. The interviewee said he was motivated by Voice of America's broadcasts. VOA denied instigating self-immolations and demanded that the Chinese station retract its report.

March 2013: VOA Radiogram began

VOA Radiogram was an experimental Voice of America program that began in March 2013 which transmitted digital text and images via shortwave radiograms.

2013: Complaint about role confusion

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

2013: Budget cuts led VOA to end foreign-language transmissions

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: The act was amended

In 2013, the Smith-Mundt Act was amended via the passage of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2013, which was intended to adapt the law to the Internet and to allow American citizens access to VOA content.

November 1, 2014: Stations offering VOA1

Since November 1, 2014, stations have been offering VOA1, which is a rebranding of VOA Music Mix.

2014: VOA Website Broadcasts

As of 2014, the Voice of America website had five English-language broadcasts (worldwide, Learning English, Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and Tibet) and versions in 48 foreign languages.

2014: Most of its 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: Listeners' opinions on DEEWA Radio

In 2015, VOA's DEEWA Radio in Pakistan received mixed reactions. Some listeners suspected the program was promoting an American agenda, while others felt it empowered them.

January 2016: Jeff Shell Detained and Deported

In January 2016, Russian authorities detained and deported Jeff Shell, the chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, upon his arrival in Moscow, without providing an explanation.

2016: VOA Audience in 2016

In 2016, VOA had a weekly worldwide audience of 237 million.

January 2017: Tweets by Voice of America appeared to support debunked claims

Following the January 2017 inauguration of U.S. president Donald Trump, tweets by Voice of America appeared to support debunked claims by White House press secretary Sean Spicer about the crowd size and related media coverage. This raised concerns over possible attempts by Trump to politicize VOA.

February 7, 2017: Current Time TV News Channel Broadcasting Begins

On February 7, 2017, round-the-clock broadcasting of the Russian language TV news channel Current Time began.

April 19, 2017: VOA Mandarin Service Interviews Guo Wengui

On April 19, 2017, Voice of America's Mandarin Service interviewed Chinese real estate tycoon Guo Wengui. During the interview, Guo made allegations of corruption against members of the Politburo Standing Committee of China, which led to the abrupt halting of the interview by VOA leadership.

June 2017: VOA Radiogram ended

VOA Radiogram, an experimental Voice of America program, ended in June 2017.

June 25, 2017: Shortwave Radiogram began transmission

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

December 2017: VOA Deemed "Foreign Agent" in Russia

In December 2017, Voice of America was deemed a "foreign agent" in Russia under the Russian foreign agent law.

2017: Russia Designates VOA as a Foreign Agent

In 2017, Russia designated VOA a foreign agent, requiring it to establish a Russian legal entity.

2018: Meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister

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

2018: Pakistani Authorities Block VOA Website

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

April 2020: White House published an article critical of VOA coverage

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, the White House published an article in its daily newsletter critical of Voice of America coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

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

On June 3, 2020, Michael Pack, a conservative documentarian and close ally of Steve Bannon, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as head of the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA.

November 2020: US District Court Judge Beryl Howell found Pack violated the First Amendment rights of Voice of America 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 Refuses Cooperation and Installs Critics

In December 2020, The Washington Post reported that Michael Pack refused to cooperate with President-elect Biden's transition team and replaced VOA Acting Director Biberaj with Robert Reilly. Pack also named Ted Lipien as head of RFE/RL and Jeffrey Scott Shapiro as head of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.

January 11, 2021: VOA Reporter Removed after Pompeo Speech

On January 11, 2021, VOA interim director Reilly ordered reporter Patsy Widakuswara off the White House beat after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave a speech critical of VOA and didn't permit press questions to Widakuswara. Dozens of VOA journalists then petitioned for Reilly and a public affairs specialist's resignation.

May 2021: Accusations of Bias in VOA's Amharic service

In May 2021, former employees accused VOA's Amharic service of bias in favor of the Ethiopian government and failing to report on atrocities during the Tigray War.

June 2021: Report on Tigray War Coverage

In June 2021, Mail & Guardian reported that VOA was the only major foreign news service not harassed by Ethiopian security services during the Tigray War. VOA's coverage was criticized for focusing on the government's perspective.

June 2021: Roskomnadzor Complaint

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

In February 2022, The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in increased censorship of independent journalism, anti-war protests, and dissenting voices in Russia.

March 2022: VOA Blocked in Russia

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

June 30, 2022: Access to VOA's website blocked in Turkey

On June 30, 2022, the Turkish media watchdog, Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), blocked access to VOA's website in Turkey because VOA had not applied for the necessary license.

2022: VOA Audience and Staffing in 2022

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

2022: VOA Blocked in Russia

In 2022, VOA was blocked in Russia along with some other western international broadcasters; however, its programming can be accessed by Russian listeners using VPNs and other software.

May 2023: Yolanda Lopez Banned from Russia

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

August 2023: VOA Turkish Alternate Website Blocked

In August 2023, VOA Turkish's alternate website domain name, voaturkce.com, was blocked in Turkey.

October 7, 2023: Editorial Guidance after Hamas attack on Israel

Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, VOA issued editorial guidance regarding the terminology to be used when referring to the actions and members of Hamas, which led to criticism from Republican members of Congress. The USAGM clarified that there was no policy prohibiting the use of the words 'terror,' 'terrorism,' or 'terrorist' at VOA.

July 2024: Abramowitz Assumes Director Position

In July 2024, Michael Abramowitz assumed the position of director. He had previously served as president of Freedom House and a reporter and editor for The Washington Post.

December 2024: Trump to Name Lake as VOA Director

In December 2024, president-elect Trump announced he would name former news anchor Kari Lake to be the director of VOA. Under the International Broadcasting Act only the International Broadcasting Advisory Board has the authority to approve the appointment or removal of the VOA Director.

2024: Audience Size

As of 2024, the Voice of America's audience was larger than the next-largest international broadcaster, the BBC World Service.

February 2025: Musk calls for VOA and Radio Free Europe to Shut Down; Chief Correspondent Placed on Leave

In February 2025, Elon Musk called for VoA and Radio Free Europe to shut down. Also in February 2025, VOA's chief national correspondent was placed on paid leave, and veteran reporter Patsy Widakuswara was reassigned from the White House beat.

February 2025: VOA journalist's accreditations in Azerbaijan were revoked

In February 2025, Voice of America journalist's accreditations in Azerbaijan were revoked.

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: Trump Signs Executive Order to Shut Down USAGM

In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order to shutting down the USAGM and its child agencies.

March 2025: Reports of Censorship and Reassignment

In March 2025, it was reported that at least two articles containing criticism of Trump were not published or were changed after publication. Also, veteran reporter Patsy Widakuswara was reassigned from the White House beat.

March 2025: Lawsuits Filed Against Trump Administration and Restraining Order Issued

In response to actions by the Trump administration, lawsuits were filed against them in March 2025. In March 2025, the District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the administration from further actions resulting from the executive order.

April 22, 2025: Preliminary Injunction Orders Restoration of VOA

On April 22, 2025, a preliminary injunction from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered the Trump administration to restore VOA and its employees, restore VOA's 2025 grants to Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and restore VOA as a reliable news source.

May 6, 2025: One America News to Provide News Coverage for VOA

On May 6, 2025, it was announced that One America News (OAN), a far-right, pro-Trump network known for promoting conspiracy theories, would provide news coverage for VOA.

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May 2025: Ulviyya Ali Arrested

In May 2025, Ulviyya Ali, an Azerbaijani journalist who worked with the Azerbaijani Service of Voice of America, was arrested.

June 2025: VOA Staffers Called Back to Work Following Israeli Strikes

Following the June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran, several dozen Farsi-speaking VOA staffers were called back to work.

June 20, 2025: Layoff Notices Sent to VOA Employees

On June 20, 2025, layoff notices were sent to 639 VOA employees, completing an 85% reduction in staff at the U.S. Agency for Global Media since the beginning of Trump's second term, and effectively shutting down the service.

August 2025: Further Staff Reductions Announced

In late August 2025, the Trump administration announced further staff reductions at VOA, paring the staff to 108 persons. However, Farsi-speaking staff and those in the Office of Cuba Broadcasting division were not eliminated.

2025: Russian jamming of VOA

Edward R. Murrow stated the Russians spent $125 million, which is $1.2 billion in 2025, to jam Voice of America.

January 2026: VOA Publishes Article Praising Trump

In January 2026, The New York Times reported that VOA published a Chinese-language article that praised Trump, cited his dubious claim of ending eight wars, featured a photoshopped image of Trump in front of an American flag imposed on a world map, and did not feature opposing views of the president.

February 2026: RFA Resumes Service

In February 2026, RFA announced the resumption of service to China, Tibet, North Korea and Myanmar citing private contracting with transmission services. Mandarin content was online only while Tibetan, Uyghur, Korean and Burmese content aired over short- and medium-wave radio frequencies.

March 2026: Layoffs Ruled Invalid

In March 2026, a federal judge ruled that Kari Lake's appointment violated the federal Vacancies Act and the layoffs she ordered were invalid, and later ordered laid-off employees be returned to work by March 23.

2026: Criticism of Lake's Leadership and Alleged Censorship

In 2026, Kari Lake's leadership at USAGM, which oversees Voice of America (VOA), faced criticism for alleged resource cuts and restrictions on VOA Persian amid U.S.-Iran tensions. Staff alleged editorial interference, including bans on mentioning Reza Pahlavi or related protester chants against the regime.