This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
June 18, 2020, marked a significant shift in the United States Agency for Global Media, as its chief, Michael Pack, removed the heads of four news organizations under its purview. The move has raised questions about the editorial independence of these outlets.
Mr. Pack, a conservative filmmaker, took over the agency in May 2020, after a long confirmation process. He has been a close ally of Stephen K. Bannon, a former campaign strategist and White House adviser to President Trump.
The dismissed heads include Bay Fang of Radio Free Asia, Jamie Fly of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Alberto M. Fernandez of Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Emilio Vazquez of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Libby Liu of the Open Technology Fund was also removed, despite her resignation being accepted by the group's board on Saturday.
Mr. Pack replaced the members of the corporate boards governing these organizations with Trump administration political appointees, including himself as chairman. One board member works for a conservative advocacy organization, Liberty Counsel Action.
Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, denounced Mr. Pack's move, calling it an 'egregious breach of this organization's history and mission.'
Brett Bruen, a former career diplomat and director of global engagement on President Barack Obama's National Security Council, also criticized Mr. Pack's decision, saying it would damage the reputation of the news organizations.
