Page 5 - Broadcasting Board News Today

U.S. international broadcasting, and in particular Voice ofAmerica, is needed now more than ever. In its annual report onpress freedom, Freedom House described the past year as one of"global decline." Of a total of 64 countries surveyed, one-thirdhad a press that was "not free." Consequently, U.S. broadcastingmust continue to serve as the lifeline of freedom in these regions,provide uncensored news, explain U.S. foreign policy, and tellAmerica's story.

It is high time the U.S. government developed the capabilities to meet the public diplomacy challenges of the 21st century.

Perhaps one of the most amazing phenomena of the 20th and now 21st century is not Anglo-American empire, understood as military and economic power. Far more remarkable is the fact that in the scope of some two hundred years the English-speaking world; i.e., the British Empire and the American Empire, have produced a cultural and

Despite the widespread adoption of democratic elections andcivilian rule, and despite the development of nascent marketeconomies, Latin America is less stable and prosperous than it was10 years ago. If the Bush Administration wants to help alleviatesome the problems in the Western Hemisphere before they demandattention as the Middle East does, it must begin to support deeperreforms, update its security policy, and better articulate itsinterests in the region.

America’s vehicles for communication are muffled by poor management and unclear missions and objectives.

To reverse America's declining image abroad, both public diplomacyand related international broadcasting agencies need a clear chainof command as well as adequate personnel and financial resources.

Promoting democracy and access to information in North Korea is in both the strategic and humanitarian interests of the U.S.

The people who should be advocating for the importance of public diplomacy are simply not in place, so leadership in this area is lacking.

The international community must address human rights abuses in North Korea, bringing meaningful change to citizens and defectors alike.

Congress should take broadcasting into China off the chopping block.