How Trump's shutdown of Voice of America will impact underserved countries worldwide

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published August 1, 2025 at 12:02 PM EDT

When President Trump ordered Voice of America to shut down earlier this year, he ended 83 years of continuous broadcast news service to underserved countries worldwide.

Former VoA director Geoff Cowan argues the U.S. government-funded broadcaster provided vital information to hundreds of millions of listeners in nearly 50 languages. If Voice of America stays off the airwaves, he says China will inevitably fill the vacuum.

Here & Now’s Scott Tong speaks with Cowan about Voice of America’s long legacy and its uncertain future.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

More from WGCU

Environment

‘Tis the Season for Holly

Dr. Jerry Jackson

If asked “What plant best symbolizes the winter season?”, most people might say “Christmas trees”, but a fair number might instead suggest holly. Several species of holly are native to North America. Most are evergreen, have thick, somewhat shiny leaves that are resistant to colder climates, and are bordered and tipped with sharp points that protect the leaves from winter plant “munchers”, and in winter bear small red fruits that add to their winter holiday appeal. The fruits are eaten by many bird species and the seeds inside the fruits are deposited with a bit of fertilizer to begin growth in the spring. Some holly species grow into large trees.
Government & Politics

Gov. DeSantis appoints Patricia 'Trish' Petrosky to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners

WGCU Staff

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Patricia “Trish” Petrosky to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners late Friday afternoon.
Culture and Connections

Where to celebrate Hanukkah around Southwest Florida

Elizabeth Andarge

This year, synagogues and Chabad centers from Naples to Fort Myers are inviting residents of all backgrounds to join the festivities. Below is a guide to local events.

Government & Politics

City of Naples receives FEMA obligation for Naples Pier rebuild

WGCU Staff

A FEMA grant of more than $11 million has been granted Naples for the reconstruction of the iconic and popular city pier.The funds, $11,401,144.20, were announced Friday afternoon by Congressman Byron Donalds.
Government & Politics

Trump administration says sign language services 'intrude' on Trump's ability to control image

The Associated Press

The Trump administration argues that providing real-time American Sign Language interpretation for events like White House press briefings would intrude on the president's control over his public image. This stance is part of a lawsuit filed by the National Association for the Deaf, which claims the lack of ASL interpretation denies deaf Americans access to important communications. The Justice Department suggests alternatives like online transcripts and closed captioning provide what's needed. A federal judge recently ordered the White House to provide the interpreting, but the administration has appealed.
Crime

Undocumented Cuban found guilty in theft of trailers meant for those displaced by Hurricane Ian

WGCU Staff

Florida's Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the conviction of Ivan Gutierrez Miranda for stealing and reselling trailers meant for recovering hurricane victims who lost and were rebuilding their homes. Miranda was found guilty of a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violation, Conspiracy to Commit RICO, Organized Scheme to Defraud, and five counts of Dealing in Stolen Property.

How Trump's shutdown of Voice of America will impact underserved countries worldwide

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning