Kari Lake, Former Fox Anchor, Appointed to Lead U.S. International Broadcasting.

Kari Lake, a former Arizona journalist and prominent political ally of former President Donald Trump, has been tapped by Trump to lead the Voice of America (VOA), a government-funded international broadcaster. This proposed appointment, announced by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, comes as Lake concludes an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate in 2024, following a previous unsuccessful run for Arizona governor in 2022. Lake, who spent 27 years in journalism before entering politics, echoed Trump’s “America First” rhetoric during her Senate campaign, aligning herself closely with the former president’s political ideology. This alignment appears to be a key factor in Trump’s decision to nominate her for this influential position within the U.S. media landscape. However, attempts by VOA to contact Lake for comment through her campaign website have gone unanswered as of the publication of this report, leaving her specific plans for the organization unclear.

Trump’s announcement also indicates his forthcoming nomination for the CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the overarching body that oversees VOA and other U.S.-funded broadcasters. This CEO position requires Senate confirmation and holds significant power over the direction of these media organizations. According to Trump, his chosen CEO will work closely with Lake, suggesting a coordinated effort to reshape the USAGM and its subsidiaries. The CEO’s role is crucial in ensuring that these broadcasters fulfill their mission of providing accurate and credible journalism to audiences in countries where press freedom is often limited. This raises concerns about potential political influence over VOA’s editorial independence under the proposed leadership.

Mike Abramowitz, the current director of VOA, acknowledged Trump’s announcement in an email to staff, stating that he had no further information beyond the social media post. He expressed his commitment to a smooth transition and cooperation with the incoming administration. The process of appointing a new VOA director, however, is not solely determined by the USAGM CEO. A 2020 law restructured the agency’s management, mandating that changes in network leadership require a majority vote from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. This board, comprised of six presidentially appointed members and the Secretary of State, plays a crucial role in upholding the editorial integrity and journalistic standards of the networks under USAGM’s purview.

Lake, responding through a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed her honor at being considered for the VOA directorship, emphasizing the organization’s importance in promoting democracy and truth globally. She pledged that under her leadership, VOA would excel in its mission of showcasing America’s achievements worldwide. This statement, while brief, hints at a potential shift in VOA’s focus, potentially emphasizing positive narratives about the U.S. This raises questions about how such a focus might impact the organization’s journalistic objectivity and its credibility with international audiences.

VOA’s history is intertwined with the evolving relationship between media and government. During the Cold War, it was often perceived as a tool for U.S. propaganda. However, in recent years, it has cultivated a more balanced approach, incorporating reporting from various news agencies and striving for objectivity. Its reach is substantial, with a weekly audience of 354 million people across 49 languages. Abramowitz, the outgoing director, brings a distinguished background in journalism and media freedom advocacy, having served as the president of Freedom House and a veteran reporter and editor for The Washington Post. The potential shift in leadership under Lake represents a significant transition for the organization, raising questions about its future direction and editorial stance.

The appointment of Kari Lake to lead VOA, while still pending official confirmation and navigating established legal procedures, has already sparked discussion and speculation about the future of the organization. Lake’s close ties to former President Trump, her “America First” rhetoric, and her limited experience in international broadcasting raise concerns about potential political influence and a shift away from VOA’s established commitment to balanced and objective journalism. The role of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board will be crucial in ensuring that the organization’s journalistic integrity and editorial independence are upheld. The transition period will be closely watched by media observers, policymakers, and international audiences alike, as the implications of this potential leadership change unfold.