On Our Radar | 13 March 2026
This edition: An NHK journalist detained in Iran, BHRT's funding crisis, the future of USAGM & VOA, and a threat to Czech Radio.
How Western governments are failing to support international public service media
Funding uncertainty clouds UK, Swiss and German international services. Is the recent funding of the USAGM likely to change things?
PMA welcomes new funding arrangement for USAGM but challenges remain
Following presidential approval of the funding bill, the head of RFA announced that broadcasts to Chinese audiences have resumed.
Unexpected funding, strikes and cancelled mergers | The PMA Briefing
New bill allocates USAGM $650 million, while public media workers at Rai Sports and Radio Educación threaten to strike.
Standoffs, closures, and reforms | The PMA Briefing
CPB votes to dissolve; RTS unions in dispute with management; Major restructure for Czech TV; LRT’s funding freeze challenged
PMA & others urge US to protect press freedom after USAGM order
More than 20 global media freedom groups, including PMA, have called on the US to protect press freedom after USAGM dismantling.
USAGM cuts imperil journalism and news availability, PMA warns
The dismantling of USAGM will threaten journalist safety and press freedom, and also the availability of independent news.
US: Political pressures on public service media
Oklahoma's public service media is at risk of being closed down, while a report has found 'gross mismanagement' by a former CEO of the USAGM.
Hopes for editorial independence restored as USAGM CEO resigns
Hopes for editorial independence restored as USAGM CEO resigns. This follows serious concerns about politicisation and editorial interference during his tenure.
USAGM CEO removes “firewall” protecting editorial independence
CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) announces that he will remove the “firewall” regulation designed to protect the editorial independence of government-funded broadcasters.