The U.S. Agency for Global Media announced on Thursday that journalist-turned-politician Kari Lake will join as a special adviser. With a journalism career spanning 30 years, Lake was appointed by President Donald Trump in December to lead Voice of America (VOA).
However, her selection has faced delays while Trump’s nominee for the head of USAGM, conservative activist and writer L. Brent Bozell III, awaits Senate confirmation. Additionally, the agency is anticipating the establishment of a new bipartisan board to collaborate with the CEO on key issues, including the appointment or dismissal of network heads.
Roman Napoli, acting USAGM chief executive following Amanda Bennett’s resignation, announced Lake’s appointment in an email to the staff. Napoli highlighted Lake’s extensive background in broadcast journalism, noting that she has spent over two decades as an anchor and reporter in major media markets.
In emphasizing her achievements, Napoli mentioned that Lake has interviewed notable leaders, including two U.S. presidents, and received two Emmys for her international reporting. “As Senior Advisor of the Trump Administration, Kari will assist USAGM in implementing necessary policies and strategies to streamline the agency, networks, and grantees,” the email stated.
USAGM, which oversees several entities dedicated to news reporting and combating censorship, boasts a combined weekly audience of over 420 million. These organizations include VOA and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, along with nonprofits such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Open Technology Fund, and Frontline Media Fund.
Moreover, USAGM’s mission is to “inform, engage, and connect people globally in support of freedom and democracy.” Napoli remarked that Lake’s experience will be crucial in continuing the mission to effectively communicate the Trump Administration’s policies worldwide.
USAGM’s public affairs department has yet to respond to VOA’s request for comments. An editorial firewall is in place to ensure USAGM does not interfere with the journalistic output of the entities it manages.
The media outlets under USAGM have been fighting disinformation and propaganda since VOA’s inception during World War II in Nazi Germany. However, the agency has faced criticism for alleged bias, coverage issues, mismanagement, and security lapses, including staff vetting concerns.
Lake addressed some criticisms directed at USAGM during her speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference last week. She emphasized that as VOA director, her focus will be on delivering “accurate and honest reporting.” “VOA has been telling America’s story to the world for 83 years. While some coverage has been exceptional, other instances have been lacking,” Lake stated. “We are engaged in an information war, and the truth is our greatest weapon; I am confident that VOA can be that weapon.”
Calls to cut the network have come from notable figures, including Trump special adviser Elon Musk. “We won’t become Trump TV,” Lake assured, “but it will not be ‘TDS TV.’ You can find all the Trump Derangement Syndrome you want over on CNN, MSNBC, PBS, ’60 Minutes,’ The Washington Post, and The New York Times.”
Besides her journalism background, Lake has also ventured into politics. She resigned from her Arizona news station, citing concerns over what she deemed disinformation about the pandemic. Lake’s campaign for governor of Arizona was unsuccessful, and she also challenged her loss in court. A bid for a Senate seat similarly did not succeed.
