TRANSCRIPT:
Journalism is often called the first rough draft of history. Sometimes in putting a story together, the facts are quite clear and other times they’re less so. I know this firsthand. I’m Ken Bredemeier, a journalist at Voice of America, and I put together stories where this comes into play.
VOA is perhaps best known for the radio and television reports it broadcasts around the globe, but it also has a robust website featuring an array of stories produced and written not only in Washington, but from countries around the world. I often write the lead stories for VOA’s website. And I’m often writing on deadline where speed is important, but it is never more important than accuracy.
Sometimes as I begin to piece a story together, the facts are not clear cut. Other times they are. But this is where VOA’s Charter and journalism expertise matters. We sort fact from fiction. We report verified information because we know our audiences are relying on us.
Eight decades ago, when our network started in the heat of World War II, a VOA announcer said, “The news may be good or bad. We shall tell you the truth.” It’s also true in 2025. I’m proud to be part of VOA and it’s why I’m calling for its immediate reopening.
Published
Bredemeier is a veteran, award-winning reporter, who serves as a national and international writer for Voice of America. He has previously worked at The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune.