What is going on at the Voice of America?
Almost one-half of the Voice of America staff have signed a petition complaining about deficiencies in the Middle Eastern services provided by the US-funded network. (*) They say that Radio Sawa did not broadcast the news that Saddam Hussein had been captured, and that Al Hurra, the new satellite television station, does not broadcast breaking news.
There needs to be a congressional investigation into what these networks are doing, and if necessary, a change in direction. The purpose of these new networks was always to reach the Middle East through the airwaves, providing a free flow of information, like the VOA provided people living in Soviet satellite states during the Cold War.
The Middle East has a high rate of illiteracy. The political directions of these nations are determined by relatively few people. Perhaps the idea of using pop music to gain a large market share was a bad idea. The overriding purpose is to spread true news and information, not subsidize American record companies.