About VOA

VOA is the largest U.S. international multimedia news organization, providing content in more than 45 languages to audiences with limited or no access to a free press. Created in 1942, VOA is committed to comprehensive, independent coverage and telling audiences the truth. VOA is fully financed by U.S. taxpayers as part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

VOA’s mission and editorial independence are guaranteed by laws that shield VOA journalists from influence, pressure, or retaliation by government officials or politicians.

In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford signed the VOA Charter, which states:

1. VOA will serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news. VOA news will be accurate, objective, and comprehensive.

2. VOA will represent America, not any single segment of American society, and will therefore present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.

3. VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussions and opinion on these policies.

In 1994, the U.S. Congress passed the U.S. International Broadcasting Act. This law also requires that the work of VOA journalists be authoritative, accurate, objective, comprehensive, balanced and a reflection of U.S cultural and social diversity.

In 2016, the Congress again affirmed in the National Defense Authorization Act that news gathering and reporting functions must continue to be independent and objective.

Every day, VOA journalists work hard to model the principles of a free press to the world.

VOA

A Free Press Matters