50 Facts About Voice Of America

The Birth of Voice of America

Voice of America (VOA) was born during a turbulent time in history. Its creation aimed to counteract propaganda and spread American values.

1. Establishment: VOA was established in 1942, during World War II, to counter Nazi propaganda among the German people.
2. First Broadcast: The first broadcast in German took place on February 24, 1942, and was introduced by the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
3. Mission: The primary mission of VOA is to promote understanding of the United States and to spread American values.
4. Headquarters: VOA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent agency of the U.S. government.
5. Charter: The VOA charter was signed into law in 1976 by U.S. President Gerald Ford.

Expanding the Reach

VOA's influence grew rapidly, reaching millions worldwide through various languages and platforms.

6. Language Services: As of 2022, VOA broadcasts in over 40 languages, serving a global audience.
7. Audience Reach: VOA has a weekly worldwide audience of approximately 326 million people, up from 237 million in 2016.
8. Staff and Budget: As of 2022, VOA employed 961 staff with an annual budget of $267.5 million.
9. Early Operations: Initially, VOA operated from New York City, renting space for its headquarters at 270 Madison Avenue.
10. Leadership: The first director of VOA was John Houseman, who emphasized the importance of honesty in reporting, even during difficult times.

Cold War and Beyond

During the Cold War, VOA played a crucial role in countering communist propaganda and spreading American ideals.

11. Expansion: By June 1942, VOA had grown rapidly and had 23 transmitters and 27 language services on the air.
12. Organizational Changes: In 1947, VOA's broadcast services to Latin America were transferred to the Department of State, and in 1953, it became part of the U.S. Information Agency (USIA).
13. Cold War Era: During the Cold War, VOA concentrated its message on communist countries in eastern and central Europe, broadcasting news reports, stories, and discussions on American political and cultural events.
14. Propaganda Countermeasures: In 1947, VOA started broadcasting to Soviet citizens in Russia to counter Soviet propaganda, which led to electronic jamming of VOA broadcasts by the Soviet Union in 1949.
15. USIA Integration: Control of VOA passed from the State Department to the USIA in 1953, allowing it to transmit worldwide, including to countries behind the Iron Curtain.

Cultural Influence

VOA wasn't just about news; it also shared American culture, especially through music.

16. Jazz Broadcasts: From 1955 until 2003, VOA broadcast American jazz on the Voice of America Jazz Hour, hosted by Willis Conover, which reached 30 million listeners at its peak.
17. Cultural Programs: Special programs like The Newport Jazz Festival were transmitted in association with tours by U.S. musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, sponsored by the State Department.
18. Local Programs: A Monday night program hosted by Billy Brown, a high school senior, shared everyday happenings in Yorktown Heights, New York, but ended due to its popularity and the cost of responding to fan mail.

Technological Advancements

VOA embraced new technologies to enhance its broadcasting capabilities and reach.

19. Technological Advancements: In 1977, VOA became the first international broadcaster to use a full-time satellite circuit to deliver programming from its own studios to an overseas relay station.
20. Satellite Broadcasting: This innovation allowed for more efficient and widespread dissemination of VOA content, including Arabic programs from Washington to the Voice transmitters on the Greek island of Rhodes.
21. Mobile Broadcasting: Between 1952 and 1960, Voice of America used a converted U.S. Coast Guard cutter Courier as a first mobile broadcasting ship.
22. Suez Crisis Coverage: During the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Arabic service grew to 14.5 hours daily, highlighting VOA's role in providing critical information during times of global conflict.
23. USAGM Predecessor: The USAGM is a successor to the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which assumed authority for VOA and other international broadcasting entities in 1998.

Legal Framework and Standards

VOA operates under specific legal frameworks to ensure its broadcasts are accurate and unbiased.

24. Charter Inclusion: The VOA charter, signed into law in 1976, was included in the U.S. International Broadcasting Act of 1994, outlining the objectives and standards for VOA broadcasts.
25. Global Reach: VOA broadcasts to over 100 countries, providing news, information, and cultural content to diverse audiences worldwide.
26. News Coverage: Daily broadcasts include news reports, stories, and discussions on American political and cultural events, as well as editorials setting forth U.S. government policy.
27. Language Services Evolution: Over the years, VOA has expanded its language services to meet the needs of a global audience, including services in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
28. Content Variety: VOA produces a wide range of content, including news programs, educational materials, and cultural programs aimed at promoting American values and understanding.

Historical Milestones

VOA has been a witness to and a reporter of many significant historical events.

29. Historical Milestones: VOA has covered numerous historical milestones, including the moon landing in 1969, when nearly 800 million people tuned in to live coverage.
30. Controversies and Criticisms: VOA has faced controversies and criticisms over the years, including allegations of bias and propaganda during the Cold War era.
31. McCarthy Hearings: In 1953, Senator Joseph McCarthy chaired hearings to investigate programming and engineering practices at VOA, leading to widespread dismissals and resignations.
32. Budget Reductions: The budget for VOA was reduced following the McCarthy hearings, and the transmitter construction program was halted.
33. USIA Reorganization: The USIA reorganization in 1953 led to a review of U.S. foreign information activities, including VOA, which concluded that these programs should be separated from the Department of State.
34. Eisenhower Commission: A commission appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower reviewed U.S. foreign information activities and recommended the establishment of the USIA, which became the primary overseer of VOA.

Modern Operations

VOA continues to adapt and thrive in the modern era, utilizing new technologies and strategies.

35. Section 230 Relevance: While VOA operates under different legal frameworks, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is relevant to online platforms that moderate content, ensuring they are not held liable for user-generated material.
36. Freedom of Speech: VOA operates under the principles of freedom of speech, promoting open communication and transparency in its broadcasts.
37. Cultural Exchange Programs: VOA has been involved in various cultural exchange programs, including broadcasting American jazz and hosting musical tours by U.S. musicians.
38. Educational Programs: VOA produces educational materials aimed at promoting understanding of American culture and values, particularly in regions where access to information is limited.
39. Relay Stations: VOA operates broadcasting and relay stations to transmit its programs worldwide, ensuring that its content reaches diverse audiences.
40. Audience Engagement: VOA engages with its audience through various means, including responding to fan mail and hosting local programs that reflect the interests of its listeners.

Technological Innovations

VOA has continuously embraced new technologies to enhance its reach and impact.

41. Technological Innovations: VOA has continuously adapted to technological advancements, using satellite circuits, mobile broadcasting ships, and digital platforms to deliver its content.
42. Global Impact: VOA has had a significant global impact, influencing public opinion and shaping perceptions of the United States during times of conflict and peace.
43. Historical Significance: VOA's history is intertwined with major global events, including World War II, the Cold War, and the Suez Crisis, demonstrating its role as a reliable source of information.
44. US Government Support: VOA receives annual appropriations under the budget for embassies and consulates, ensuring its continued operation and expansion.
45. Staff Diversity: As of 2022, VOA employs a diverse staff of 961 individuals, reflecting the global nature of its audience and operations.
46. Annual Budget: The annual budget for VOA is $267.5 million, supporting its extensive operations and content production.
47. Weekly Programs: VOA produces over 3,200 programs in 40 languages every week, catering to a vast and diverse audience.
48. Content Moderation: While VOA operates under different legal frameworks, it adheres to principles of content moderation, ensuring that its broadcasts are accurate and unbiased.
49. Historical Charter: The VOA charter, signed into law in 1976, serves as the basis for the “standards and principles” of all BBG broadcasting, as written in the U.S. International Broadcasting Act of 1994.
50. Continued Relevance: Despite the passage of time, VOA remains a crucial tool for U.S. foreign policy, promoting understanding and spreading American values to a global audience.

The Legacy of Voice of America

Voice of America has played a crucial role in global broadcasting since its inception in 1942. From countering Nazi propaganda to providing reliable news during the Cold War, VOA has been a beacon of information and American values. Broadcasting in over 40 languages, it reaches millions worldwide, promoting understanding and cultural exchange. With a rich history of technological innovation, including the first full-time satellite circuit for international broadcasting, VOA continues to adapt and thrive. Despite facing controversies and budget cuts, it remains a vital tool for U.S. foreign policy. Its diverse programming, from news to jazz, reflects a commitment to honest reporting and cultural diplomacy. As VOA moves forward, its mission to inform, engage, and connect people around the world remains as relevant as ever.