Kari Lake to lead US International Broadcasting

US President-elect Donald Trump wants to appoint his loyal supporter Kari Lake of Arizona as head of the US state-run foreign broadcasting service Voice of America. The Republican announced the news on his “Truth Social” platform.

The 55-year-old still needs to be formally appointed by the future management of the responsible broadcaster, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The agency oversees all government-sponsored foreign broadcasts in the United States that are not controlled by the military. Trump announced that he will soon fill the USAGM leadership position. Appointment to the position requires Senate approval.

Another Attack: The “Fake News Media”

Trump said Lake and the incoming USAGM leadership would “work closely to ensure that America's values ​​of freedom and independence are spread fairly and accurately around the world” — as opposed to “lies spread by fake news.” ». Lake thanks Trump in a post on the platform

Trump has frequently questioned the credibility of mainstream media. Critics worry he may try to use VOA to further his political agenda. During Trump’s first term, the then-USAGM boss — also a loyalist — wanted to influence the broadcaster’s editorial independence.

Broadcasting as “soft power”

Voice of America was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi German propaganda and provide reliable news to the occupied territories. Today, this includes multiple broadcast services broadcasting programs in dozens of languages. In Germany, the station can no longer be received on linear television or radio, as it is mainly targeted at countries with limited press freedom.

The legal requirements are intended to prevent political influence on Voice of America. At the same time, the station plays an important role in America's international reputation: as a tool of so-called “soft power,” it helps present American values ​​and ideals in a positive light around the world. In some countries, he is seen as a spokesman for the U.S. government.

election denier with broadcast experience

Lake worked as a news anchor for local Arizona television station Fox 10 Phoenix for many years. She later entered politics and represented the radical tendencies of the Republican Party.

In November, she ran unsuccessfully for a vacant Senate seat in Arizona. She has already lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in the state. Lake did not acknowledge his defeat at the time and spread unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about election fraud. A lawsuit challenging the election results was dismissed by the courts. (DAB/Sudan Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)