Khaosod English’s Pravit Rojanaphruk submitted 5 questions to Voice of America’s top Journalist Steven L Herman regarding the suspension of the VOA by US President Donald Trump.
Pravit: Trump’s camp accuses the VOA of propagating leftist and liberal ideologies. Is that the case?
Herman: Every script at VOA – TV, radio or text – is reviewed by at least two editors. If it touches on politics, then there’s a third editor, a balance editor. A TV piece would have additional editors looking at it following production.
Accusations of bias have been heard for decades, from across the political spectrum. VOA is one of the few news organizations mandated by law to be balanced and objective. Our charter compels us to present both sides of issues. Anyone can review VOA content on our website, which hopefully will remain online. (voanews.com)
Pravit: Did you expect this to happen? Why, or why not?
Herman: We certainly expected change. The signals were clear. We were involved in a fight some years back against political appointees who wanted to bust through our firewall that prevents interference in our journalism by even those running our parent agency. We prevailed in court and there were independent reports subsequently issued outlining, to summarize, we were on the correct side in resisting the interference. So, there’s legal precedent there upholding the charter and the firewall.
Bloody Saturday (Feb. 15) saw everyone at VOA placed on indefinite paid leave. The move effectively and quickly silenced all of our 49 language services, cutting off our communication with 360 million people, something that has never happened in VOA’s 83 years of existence.
Pravit: How does this impact America’s softpower?
Herman: VOA is perceived as a powerful and cost-efficient tool of America’s soft power for the cost of a couple of hard power fighter jets. VOA is not just a brand but an indispensable resource for millions and millions of people who rely on us for timely and accurate news and information not only about the United States, but their countries or regions as well. With VOA silenced, the void will be filled by voices of Beijing and Moscow.
Pravit: Some Thais rejoiced as they view the VOA as a propaganda tool of the so-called US imperialism or hegemonic power. What would you like to say to them?
Herman: I am willing to bet that any objective analysis of VOA’s content would conclude our journalism is objective and comprehensive, especially compared to that of state-funded broadcasters in other countries. When I am asked if I have a bias, I respond yes: I am biased in favor of democracy.
Pravit: On a personal note, how is it affecting you and what’s your career plan now?
Herman: Even though I remain VOA’s chief national correspondent I cannot do any reporting and VOA may or may not exist by the time your readers see this. I am keeping very busy consulting with lawyers, discussing developments with my colleagues and giving interviews like this one. I really haven’t had time for job hunting!
I have mused maybe retirement in Chiang Rai would be nice. But I am hoping that is decision is still more than a few years away.
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