TRANSCRIPT:
Voice of America is a lifeline of truth for millions living under censorship. It provides independent, fact-based reporting where governments try to silence voices. I truly believe that is the value of Voice of America.
When Voice of America’s mission is undermined, it’s not just foreign audiences who lose. It’s the U.S. credibility as a leader and defender of free expression. Supporting Voice of America is supporting democracy worldwide.
Dismantling Voice of America would send a very dangerous message that even in the United States, it’s retreating from promoting and defending freedom of the press. Dictators everywhere and repressive regimes would see it as a green light to tighten their grip on news and information and those who seek the truth and speak truth to power.
I have seen firsthand how journalists risk their safety to bring uncensored news to places where speaking the truth can mean jail or worse. Silencing them would be a really terrible message for everybody involved and for their communities. Not just to the reporters, but to the millions of people who depend on the news and information they provide.
Published
Zamora is the Committee to Protect Journalists’ regional director for the Americas. He has worked on press freedom, journalist safety and independent media support across Latin America.