President-elect Donald trump has announced Kari lake as his pick to helm Voice of America (VOA), a move that places a staunch Trump loyalist at the forefront of the congressionally funded broadcaster renowned for its independent global news reporting. Lake, a former television news anchor in Phoenix known for her hardline stance on immigration, made headlines for a series of controversial social media posts, including the spread of COVID-19 disinformation, before embarking on a political career.
Renowned for her charisma, captivating presence, and ability to communicate effectively, Lake quickly amassed a dedicated following and gained national recognition for her confrontational style and unwavering rebukes of what she termed “fake news” media, mirroring Trump’s rhetoric.
Trump, in a statement, asserted that Lake will be formally appointed by and collaborate closely with the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media for his incoming administration, a position he intends to fill soon. He emphasized Lake’s mission to ensure that ”American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.”
This appointment comes after Trump’s history of staunch criticism towards VOA, famously labeling its content “disgusting toward our country” in 2020. During his first term, VOA faced further scrutiny, with the White House accusing it of using taxpayer funds “to speak for authoritarian regimes” after its coverage of Wuhan’s lockdown easing at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Founded during World war II, VOA is mandated by Congress to provide unbiased news and facts to international audiences. The organization has consistently defended its coverage against Trump’s criticisms.
Upon assuming office in 2021, President Joe Biden swiftly removed several senior officials with ties to trump from VOA and related positions.
Lake’s unwavering loyalty to Trump stemmed from her fervent belief in the baseless claims of election fraud that both she and Trump propagated. She has refused to acknowledge her defeat in the arizona gubernatorial race and continues to style herself as the “lawful governor” in her 2023 book, “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.”
Lake’s unsuccessful legal battles to overturn the election results continued even as she launched her Senate campaign. Despite attempting to moderate her tone,she struggled to maintain a consistent message on complex topics like election integrity and abortion,ultimately losing by a wider margin.Despite this, Trump considered her for the vice presidential nomination before ultimately choosing JD Vance.
In addition to Lake’s appointment, Trump also announced Leandro Rizzuto as his nominee for U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States and Dan Newlin, a Florida personal injury attorney, as his choice for U.S. ambassador to Colombia. Peter Lamelas, a physician and founder of a prominent Florida urgent care company, has been tapped for the position of U.S. ambassador to Argentina. Lamelas is also a notable donor to both Trump’s and other leading Republicans’ campaigns.
What are the potential effects of Kari Lake‘s appointment on the impartiality of Voice of America?
Interview: The Implications of Kari Lake’s Appointment to Voice of America
Editor (Time.news): thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent declaration of donald Trump’s selection of Kari Lake as the head of Voice of America (VOA). To gain an expert viewpoint, we have political analyst and media expert Dr. Emily Harper here to share insights. Dr. Harper, what do you think are the implications of lake’s appointment for VOA, an organization founded to provide unbiased news internationally?
Dr. Emily Harper: Thank you for having me. This appointment is quite significant, given Lake’s background and her strong alignment with trump’s ideology. Historically, VOA has been mandated by Congress to deliver independent news, but Lake’s appointment raises questions about its future direction. With her track record of controversial statements and alignment with Trump’s rhetoric, there is a potential for a shift away from VOA’s foundational principle of impartiality.
Editor: Trump’s criticism of VOA during his presidency—labelling its content as “nauseating”—places additional scrutiny on this appointment. How do you see this influencing the organization’s credibility and global reputation?
Dr. Emily Harper: There’s a real concern that Lake’s leadership could challenge VOA’s credibility. As an outlet that has fought hard to maintain its reputation amidst political critique, any shift toward partisanship could undermine its status as a trusted news source. This change might alienate international audiences who rely on VOA for unbiased information, possibly damaging its reputation globally and impacting U.S.soft power.
Editor: Kari Lake is known for her confrontational style and claims about election integrity.Can you discuss how her approach might affect VOA’s reporting, especially about sensitive political topics?
Dr. Emily Harper: Lake’s confrontational approach may lead to a more sensationalized or polarized brand of journalism at VOA. If she employs her typical rhetoric, it may not only skew the organization’s reporting on U.S. politics but also influence coverage of foreign elections and governance. This can dilute the quality of information disseminated, which contradicts the mission of providing facts and unbiased reporting.
Editor: Lake’s commitment to promoting “American values of Freedom and Liberty” as stated by Trump seems to suggest a more nationalistic perspective. How might this view shape the content broadcasted by VOA?
Dr. Emily harper: A nationalistic perspective can significantly reshape content. If there’s a focus on promoting American ideals without acknowledging the complexities of global narratives, it could result in a biased portrayal of international events. This could also lead to selective coverage that aligns with certain political motives, rather than delivering comprehensive news, which is crucial for global audiences looking for a balanced view.
Editor: Given Lake’s history of spreading misinformation, particularly regarding COVID-19 and the 2020 election results, what advice would you give to the audience in terms of consuming news now?
dr. Emily Harper: It’s essential for audiences to remain vigilant and critical when consuming news, particularly from an institution like VOA that might potentially be undergoing significant changes. They should diversify their news sources to maintain a well-rounded understanding of events. Fact-checking claims, seeking out reputable and independent journalism, and engaging with multiple perspectives are vital habits for informed citizenship.
Editor: what broader industry implications do you foresee with Trump’s recent announcements, including other ambassador nominations from his administration?
Dr. Emily Harper: These appointments signal a potential return to a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy that may favor personalities aligned with Trump’s vision. this could redefine diplomatic relations and impact various international organizations. It’s a shift that may also lead to increased polarization in international news coverage, affecting how global narratives are shaped and understanding is formed across borders. It’s crucial for journalists and media outlets to adapt and remain committed to delivering reliable news amidst this evolving landscape.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harper, for your insights on these pivotal issues and the future of news reporting at institutions like VOA.
Dr. Emily Harper: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.