Radio Free Asia Shuts Down Amid Funding Crisis
Radio Free Asia is suspending its operations due to funding uncertainty from the U.S. government shutdown. The broadcaster will halt news production, close overseas bureaus, and lay off staff for the first time in nearly 30 years to conserve resources and potentially restart if funding resumes.
Radio Free Asia announced on Wednesday that it is suspending its editorial operations due to 'funding uncertainty' as the U.S. federal government shutdown nears a month.
The U.S. government-funded broadcaster will stop all news production on Friday, facing delays in receiving funds for the new fiscal year. To conserve resources and keep the door open for restarting operations if consistent funding becomes available, CEO Bay Fang explained that RFA is scaling back its reduced operations for the first time in almost three decades.
The situation means closing overseas offices and formally terminating furloughed staff, as hundreds of employees face unpaid leave following President Donald Trump's announcement to cut funding for RFA and similar outlets. Although a federal judge blocked this termination in April, RFA's future hangs in the balance, with its vital reporting across Asia at risk.
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