top of page

Trump Appoints Conservative Critic to Lead U.S. Agency for Global Media


Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


Key Appointment 


Former President Donald Trump has named L. Brent Bozell III, a longtime conservative media critic, as the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The agency oversees international broadcasters like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe.


Background on Bozell


  • Bozell is the founder of the Media Research Center, a nonprofit focused on identifying and critiquing liberal bias in mainstream media and pop culture.

  • He is a nephew of William F. Buckley Jr., the founder of the National Review.

  • Bozell’s commentary often highlights his belief that mainstream journalists are politically biased, labeling them "leftist partisans."


Trump's Statement 


In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Bozell for his understanding of global media and his commitment to American values. Trump stated, “He will ensure that [the U.S.] message is heard by freedom-loving people around the world.”


USAGM's Role and Scope

Mission


The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees several networks, including:

  • Voice of America

  • Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

  • Radio Free Asia

  • Middle Eastern Broadcasting Networks

  • Radio and Television Martí


These organizations aim to provide credible news coverage in nations without a free press, showcasing democratic values. The networks reportedly reach 427 million people worldwide each week.

Legal limitations 


USAGM's broadcasts are prohibited from being directed at U.S. audiences, focusing instead on international news dissemination.


Controversy Surrounding USAGM Leadership


Michael Pack’s Tenure: During Trump’s first term, USAGM became a battleground for debates over media bias:


  • Pack, a Trump appointee, served as CEO of USAGM from May 2020 to January 2021.

  • He accused senior journalists of anti-Trump bias and launched investigations, which were later deemed unconstitutional.

  • He also denied visa extensions for foreign journalists, leading to staffing challenges.


Trump’s Overhaul: Upon taking office, Trump dismissed the agency’s bipartisan oversight board, replacing its members with his own appointees.



Bozell’s Appointment in Context


Challenges Ahead: Bozell’s appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s effort to reshape USAGM. Critics have expressed concern over the potential politicization of the agency’s work, which prioritizes objective news reporting for international audiences.


Broader Implications: The move also highlights Trump’s strategy of elevating figures with strong conservative credentials to positions of influence, reinforcing his critique of mainstream media as biased against conservative voices.


What’s Next?


For Bozell to take office, procedural steps remain:

  • A new USAGM chief must be officially confirmed.

  • A new oversight board must be established.


Until then, Michael Abramowitz, former Freedom House president, continues as acting head of Voice of America. Bozell’s appointment underscores the evolving landscape of media leadership under conservative influence, setting the stage for potential changes in how U.S.-funded international news is managed and perceived globally.



Comentarios


bottom of page