U S International Broadcasting

Modern U.S. government-funded international broadcasting began during World War II with the creation of the Voice of America, and continued throughout the Cold War period with Radio Free Europe broadcasting behind the Iron Curtain, and Radio Liberty targeting populations in the former Soviet Union. Over the decades, VOA expanded its broadcasting and language services into other regions of the world, including the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Later, new services for Cuba and East Asia were initiated. Most recently, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, significant new resources and services were introduced to reach the peoples of the Middle East and Central and South Asia. This book discusses the background of U.S. international broadcasting. It also examines the extent to which the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) language services overlap with one another; and BBG broadcasts in the same languages as other international broadcasters.

As agreed with your office, this report examines whether the Board (1) responded to the specific funding limitations and cost-cutting expectations regarding Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's operations, (2) implemented an annual language service review process, and (3) instituted a strategic planning and performance management system. As requested, we also provide information on U.S. international broadcasting and the British Broadcasting Corporation. Details about our scope and methodology are presented in appendix V.