France Médias Monde and Deutsche Welle express deep concern over the US decision to suspend USAGM employees and funding

17 March 2025

France Médias Monde and Deutsche Welle express deep concern over the US decision to suspend USAGM employees and funding

France Médias Monde (FMM) and Deutsche Welle (DW) are alarmed by the US administration’s decision on 15 March to halt funding for American public international media, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia. This move threatens to deprive millions of people worldwide of a vital source of balanced and verified information—especially in countries where independent journalism is scarce or nonexistent. By weakening this crucial safeguard against disinformation and manipulation, the decision endangers global media freedom.

This action is particularly concerning given the United States’ long-standing role as a champion of press freedom and professional journalism within the DG8* and beyond. At a time of increasing global polarisation, the need for independent, multilingual, and pluralistic journalism has never been more critical. The abrupt nature of this decision only heightens concerns over its impact.

While FMM and DW remain committed to their mission, they recognise the broader risks posed by the potential loss of their American counterpart in the shared pursuit of democracy and free expression. They stand in full solidarity with their colleagues at the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), many of whom may now face the difficult prospect of leaving the United States and returning to their home countries.

This decision underscores, once again, the urgent need to defend the European model of independent public service media—embodied by the continent’s international broadcasters—and to secure the long-term sustainability of their funding.

*About the DG8

The DG8 comprises eight international public service media organizations from Australia (ABC International), Canada (CBC/Radio-Canada), France (France Médias Monde), Germany (Deutsche Welle), Japan (NHK WORLD-JAPAN), Switzerland (SRG SSR), the United Kingdom (BBC World Service), and the United States (U.S. Agency for Global Media). Collectively, DG8 members generate more than 1.5 billion user contacts every week in more than 75 languages, giving them a significant journalistic impact worldwide.

RFE/RL President: Defunding Would be “Massive Gift to America’s Enemies”

16 March 2025

RFE/RL President: Defunding Would be “Massive Gift to America’s Enemies”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) was informed today (15 March) by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) that its federal grant agreement, which funds RFE/RL’s global operations, has been terminated.

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus said: “The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies. The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker.

We’ve benefitted from strong bipartisan support throughout RFE/RL’s storied history. Without us, the nearly 50 million people in closed societies who depend on us for accurate news and information each week won’t have access to the truth about America and the world.”

Rti gains RSF certification

24 February 2025

Rti gains RSF certification

Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has officially received the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification from Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This achievement marks not only the first time a Taiwanese media organisation has earned the certification but also the first for a news outlet serving Chinese-speaking audiences.

To obtain a JTI certification, media outlets must first complete a comprehensive self-assessment covering 18 categories and 130 standards—including disclosure of ownership types, funding sources, editorial policies, accountability systems, fact-checking procedures, and staff training. After publishing a transparency report detailing this self-assessment, they must then undergo an independent third-party audit before being officially certified.

Over 2,000 media organisations in 110 countries have adopted the JTI certification process, with 100 already certified by external agencies such as Deloitte or Bureau Veritas.

Director of the Journalism Trust Initiative, Benjamin Sabbah, noted that JTI serves as a best practice framework for news organisations globally and expressed hope that more publishers will follow Rti’s lead.

Rti Chairperson Cheryl Lai (pictured) emphasised that the certification not only positions the organisation as an international media partner—standing alongside global news agencies and showcasing the strength of Taiwanese journalism—but also signifies Rti’s support for international non-governmental organisations like RSF, thereby helping to deliver important information to audiences around the world.

BBC Baku operation closed

21 February 2025

BBC Baku operation closed

The BBC issued this statement on 20 February:

Following verbal instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the BBC has made the reluctant decision to close its office in the country and to suspend the activities of our excellent journalists in Baku.

We deeply regret this restrictive move against press freedom, which will hinder our ability to report to and from Azerbaijan for our audiences inside and outside the country. Each week around 1million people get trusted impartial news from BBC News Azerbaijani.

We are in contact with the Azerbaijani government to clarify their instruction and to try to resolve the situation.

We will continue our news services in Azerbaijani.

It is unclear what has prompted this move by the Azerbaijan government. The BBC launched its Azeri radio service in 1994, moving to digital platforms where it continues to attract upward of a million users each week – one tenth of the country’s population. BBC Monitoring, which watches and listens to television and radio services globally, operated an office in Baku monitoring Central Asia media outlets.

Channelbox brings adrenalin-fuelled sport to UK’s Freeview

13 February 2025

Channelbox brings adrenalin-fuelled sport to UK’s Freeview

GINX TV and Extreme Channel Now Available on Channelbox via Freeview 271

Two High-Energy Channels Expand Channelbox’s Freeview Lineup

Channelbox, the only FAST multi-channel platform on Freeview, has launched GINX TV and Extreme Channel, bringing top-tier esports and adrenaline-fuelled action sports to UK viewers. Available on Freeview channel 271, both channels offer free access to dynamic gaming and extreme sports content.

GINX TV – The Home of Gaming and Esports Entertainment

GINX TV is the world’s leading independent Gaming/Esports DIGITAL/TV network, offering 24/7 gaming and esports content, including top tournaments, exclusive interviews, in-depth analysis, and original programming. Covering titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2, it’s a must-watch for gaming enthusiasts.

“We’re excited to bring GINX TV back to Freeview, making Gaming and esports content more accessible than ever,” said Peter Einstein, CEO of GINX TV. “Channelbox is the perfect platform to engage UK audiences with the thrill of Video gaming content and competitive Esports.”

Extreme Channel – The Best in Action Sports, Wrestling and Combat sports

Extreme channel is becoming the home of UK wrestling and MMA. It also delivers high-octane adventure sports, from skateboarding and snowboarding to BMX, motocross, and surfing. Featuring exclusive documentaries, live events, and behind-the-scenes footage, it’s the go-to channel for wrestling, combat sports and action sports fans.

“Bringing Extreme back to Freeview via Channelbox allows us to share the energy and excitement of action sports with a wider audience,” said WillIam Lee, CEO of Extreme Channel. “We’re thrilled to connect with sports fans across the UK.”

Both GINX TV and Extreme Channel are now accessible to UK audiences through Channelbox on Freeview (channel 271) on any Freeview-compatible TV or device with internet connectivity.

“Bringing GINX TV and Extreme Channel to Channelbox reflects our commitment to diverse and engaging content,” said Tanya Kronfli, Head of Business Development at Channelbox. “Gaming, Esports Wrestling and action sports are growing fast, and we’re excited to offer these fantastic channels to Freeview viewers.”

Radio Liberty journalist released from Belarus detention

13 February 2025

Radio Liberty journalist released from Belarus detention

Trump Administration Secures Release of Radio Liberty Journalist Andrey Kuznechyk from Detention in Belarus

RFE/RL welcomes news of Andrey’s release and is grateful to the American and Lithuanian governments for their support.

After more than three years of imprisonment in Belarus, Radio Liberty journalist Andrey Kuznechyk (pictured) has been freed.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Stephen Capus said: “This is a joyous day for Andrey, his wife, and their two young children. After more than three years apart, this family is together again thanks to President Trump. We are also grateful to Secretary Rubio and his team, and to the Lithuanian government for their support.

We remain hopeful that our journalist Ihar Losik will also be released and look to the Trump administration for its continued leadership and guidance.”

Andrey Kuznechyk is a veteran journalist with Radio Liberty, known in Belarus as Radio Svaboda.

Image: RFE/RL