Fact Check: VOA once reached 360 million people weekly, now faces near-total collapse.

Fact Check: "VOA once reached 360 million people weekly, now faces near-total collapse."

What We Know

The claim that "VOA once reached 360 million people weekly, now faces near-total collapse" is misleading. According to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), their networks, which include Voice of America (VOA), reached a record audience of 427 million weekly in Fiscal Year 2024. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years, nearly doubling the audience over the last decade. The report highlights that VOA continues to maintain substantial reach, including 100 million people in Latin America and over 45% of adults in countries like Niger, despite challenging circumstances (USAGM).

Analysis

The assertion of a "near-total collapse" of VOA appears to stem from a combination of historical context and recent operational challenges. Reports indicate that during the Trump administration, there were significant cuts to the workforce and operational capabilities of VOA, leading to concerns about its future (NPR). However, the current data from USAGM contradicts the notion of collapse, as the agency has successfully expanded its audience and continues to engage with millions of viewers globally.

While some sources, such as an opinion piece from the New York Times, reference a time when VOA's audience was approximately 360 million, this figure is outdated and does not reflect the agency's current status. Furthermore, claims of a "collapse" often come from sources discussing potential cuts and restructuring under specific political administrations, which may not accurately represent the ongoing operations and audience engagement of VOA today (NPR, NPR).

The reliability of sources discussing the "collapse" is mixed. While NPR provides factual reporting on the challenges faced by VOA, it also highlights the agency's resilience and continued importance in global media. Conversely, opinion pieces may reflect a more subjective viewpoint, potentially leading to exaggerated claims about the agency's operational status.

Conclusion

The claim that "VOA once reached 360 million people weekly, now faces near-total collapse" is False. The current audience figures indicate that VOA and its associated networks have not only maintained but expanded their reach significantly. The narrative of collapse does not align with the documented growth and ongoing engagement efforts of the agency, which continues to serve millions of people worldwide.

Fact Check: VOA once reached 360 million people weekly, now faces near-total collapse.