Voice of America, a federally funded international broadcaster, has initiated a formal review of chief national correspondent Steve Herman’s social media postings for potential bias against the Trump administration. Herman has been placed on paid “excused absence” and is expected to lose his job. This move has raised concerns about political interference at the broadcaster.
The US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America, cited several policies, including an executive order by President Trump, as grounds for the review of Herman’s work. Additionally, another journalist, Patsy Widakuswara, covering the White House, was reassigned without a clear rationale provided.
This investigation comes after similar scrutiny of Herman for bias during President Trump’s first term in office, which was found to be unconstitutional. Despite concerns of political pressure, the current investigation is being led by VOA’s director, Michael Abramowitz, and is based on journalistic concerns.
Amidst these developments, Kari Lake, a two-time failed Arizona MAGA candidate, has been hired by the USAGM as an advisor, with intentions to lead VOA pending approval from the Senate. Lake has criticized the network for liberal bias and aims to make it fair to Trump and his views.
These events highlight the ongoing tension within Voice of America between journalistic integrity and political influences, with journalists at the network expressing fear of pressures from the Trump administration and its supporters. The outcome of the review of Steve Herman’s work remains uncertain as the broadcaster navigates this challenging landscape.
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