Kari Lake’s New Role: How It Might Transform U.S. Global Broadcasting

President-elect Donald Trump names Kari Lake as Voice of America chief, sparking debate on the future of U.S. public diplomacy.

At a Glance

Trump appoints Kari Lake, former news anchor and politician, to lead Voice of America.
Lake’s appointment signals potential reform and realignment of VOA’s operations.
Republicans have criticized VOA for alleged political bias and management issues.
Appointment raises questions about VOA’s editorial independence and future direction
Lake to work with upcoming head of U.S. Agency for Global Media to promote American values globally.

Trump Taps Kari Lake for Voice of America Leadership

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kari Lake, a former news anchor and twice-failed Republican candidate, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA). This decision marks a significant shift in leadership for the international broadcaster, which reaches audiences in nearly 50 languages worldwide. Lake, known for her strong support of Trump and her career in broadcast journalism, will replace Michael Abramowitz, a former reporter and head of Freedom House.

Trump’s announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, emphasized Lake’s role in ensuring that “American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY.” This appointment comes as part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape U.S. public diplomacy and international broadcasting.

I am honored that President Trump has asked me to lead the Voice of America. @VOANews is a vital international media outlet dedicated to advancing the interests of the United States by engaging directly with people across the globe and promoting democracy and truth.

With an… pic.twitter.com/UWVdPeF6Ye

— Kari Lake (@KariLake) December 12, 2024

Addressing Criticisms and Expectations

The appointment of Lake to lead VOA comes amid longstanding Republican criticisms of the organization. GOP members have alleged political bias and management issues within VOA, suggesting that the broadcaster has strayed from its mission to promote American values abroad. Trump’s decision to appoint Lake appears to be a direct response to these concerns, with the expectation that she will enforce new standards and potentially overhaul the organization’s operations.

Lake’s background as a news anchor and her recent political endeavors have positioned her as a figure familiar with both media operations and Trump’s policy priorities. However, her appointment has also raised concerns among critics who worry about the potential politicization of VOA, an organization traditionally meant to maintain editorial independence.

Implications for VOA’s Editorial Independence

The appointment of Lake to lead VOA has reignited discussions about the broadcaster’s editorial independence. During Trump’s first term, similar concerns arose when Michael Pack was appointed as CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, VOA’s parent agency. Pack’s tenure was marked by controversy, including attempts to replace VOA leadership with Trump loyalists.

A 1994 law protects VOA’s independent reporting, as affirmed by a judge who ruled against interference in the organization’s editorial processes. However, Lake’s appointment and her close alignment with Trump’s political views have raised questions about how this independence will be maintained under her leadership.

The Road Ahead for VOA

As Lake prepares to take the helm at VOA, stakeholders are closely watching how she will navigate the complex landscape of international broadcasting and public diplomacy. Her success will likely be measured by her ability to balance the promotion of American values with the maintenance of VOA’s credibility as an objective news source.

The International Broadcasting Advisory Board, which includes Senate-confirmed members, must approve the heads of VOA and other related outlets. This process could potentially lead to further discussions about the direction and mission of VOA under Lake’s leadership.

As the transition unfolds, the global audience of VOA will be watching to see how this change in leadership affects the content and tone of the broadcaster’s programming. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Lake’s appointment leads to a significant shift in VOA’s approach to international broadcasting and its role in promoting American values abroad.