Trump’s executive order significantly cuts U.S. global media funding, impacting journalists and creating opportunities for China and Russia to amplify their media influence. Former officials have warned that this decision may embolden adversaries and diminish independent journalism. As China increases its media footprint, experts highlight the potential consequences for global narratives and democracy.

In a strategic move, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating the nearly $1 billion budget for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, resulting in significant layoffs within its workforce. This decision not only reduces U.S. global media presence but also creates an opportunity for adversaries such as China and Russia to amplify their media strategies.

Lisa Curtis, former senior official on the National Security Council, emphasized the detrimental impact of these cuts. “Closing the service will actually help our adversaries,” she stated, pointing out the extensive financial resources these nations allocate towards anti-American propaganda. She raised concerns over the administration’s intent to diminish its media outreach in the face of rising threats from these countries.

The report indicates that China’s media success is partly due to its provision of essential resources, such as equipment, which allows local media to thrive. Conversely, Russian media has aggressively positioned itself against Western narratives through channels like Sputnik and TT. Following bans from European countries after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has turned its attention to Africa, using targeted social media strategies to undermine Western initiatives.

Rebecca Cook, a researcher who has examined media dynamics, noted that the takeover of U.S. media resources by China is more complex than a one-for-one transition from Voice of America (VOA) to Chinese state media. A shift to Chinese-funded reporting would result in markedly different content dominated by pro-government themes. “Even if Chinese state media are doing it, the content is completely different,” she observed.

Kari Lake, a notable Trump supporter, criticized the U.S. Agency for Global Media, describing it as an unmanageable burden on taxpayers. Trump’s administration has frequently condemned government-sponsored media, citing the availability of private news sources. However, U.S. funded broadcasters offer diverse linguistic coverage often featuring unique reporting from exiled journalists. Curtis highlighted that Persian-language Radio Farda successfully reached a significant portion of Iran’s adult population weekly, showcasing the vital role such outlets play in providing niche reporting.

Experts assert that Chinese media has capitalized on Western media struggles, beginning a global hiring campaign to shape narratives in its favor during the 2008 financial crisis. Mareike Ohlberg from the German Marshall Fund remarked that this trend will persist, fostering an environment where fewer alternative narratives exist. “It just makes it easier for the narrative to take hold as there are now fewer alternatives,” she stated.

This development in the global media landscape signals a shift towards a more constrained discourse shaped by state incentives, potentially damaging the richness and diversity of international journalism.

The recent budget cuts to the U.S. Agency for Global Media raise critical concerns about the future of independent journalism and the rise of adversarial propaganda. As China and Russia enhance their media presence with substantial funding, the reduction of U.S. media resources may pave the way for a dominant narrative that undermines democratic values. These changes illustrate the urgent need to reassess media strategies to ensure a robust representation of diverse viewpoints on the global stage.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com

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