Mandate for Leadership - Chapter 8 - Media Agencies - U.S. Agency for Global Media

1. CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Title: Media Agencies: U.S. Agency for Global Media ^{(TL;DR Version)}

Author: Mora Namdar, Former Vice President of Legal, Compliance, and Risk at the U.S. Agency for Global Media

Chapter 8 of “Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership” focuses on the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the federal agency overseeing U.S. government-funded international broadcasting, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia. Authored by Mora Namdar, a former senior official at USAGM during the Trump administration, the chapter argues that the agency has strayed from its mission of promoting freedom and democracy and has become “mismanaged, disorganized, ineffective, and rife with waste and redundancy.” She outlines a plan to reform USAGM, making it more accountable to a conservative president, efficient, and effective in countering adversarial propaganda and promoting American values, often conflating the two.

The chapter’s significance lies in its call for a more ideologically driven and less journalistically independent USAGM, with a greater emphasis on promoting American exceptionalism and a narrower range of voices and perspectives. These proposals raise serious concerns among Democrats about the potential for USAGM to be used as a tool for propaganda and for the erosion of journalistic integrity in government-funded international broadcasting.

2. KEY THEMES & FRAMEWORKS

Promoting American Exceptionalism: Namdar emphasizes the need for USAGM to promote “American values” and to present a positive image of the United States to the world, suggesting a shift away from objective journalism towards a more propagandistic approach.
Countering Adversarial Propaganda: The chapter focuses on countering propaganda from adversaries like China and Russia, arguing that USAGM should be a “strategic asset” in the information war. This aligns with the broader conservative focus on countering foreign influence and promoting American interests abroad.
Eliminating “Bias” and “Waste”: Namdar criticizes USAGM for alleged “bias” and “waste,” arguing that the agency has become too bureaucratic and inefficient. This reflects a broader conservative distrust of government agencies and a preference for smaller, more streamlined entities.
Strengthening Executive Control: The chapter advocates for increasing the authority of the USAGM CEO and for reducing the independence of the agency’s networks, suggesting a desire for greater political control over content and programming.
Traditional Media over Digital: Namdar expresses skepticism towards digital media and advocates for investing in traditional broadcasting methods, such as shortwave radio, arguing that they are more effective in reaching audiences in countries with limited internet access.

3. DETAILED BREAKDOWN

3.1 Introduction: A “Strategic Asset” in the Information War ⁽²⁶⁰⁾

Namdar argues that USAGM is a “strategic asset” in the information war and that it must be reformed to effectively counter adversarial propaganda and promote American values.
She criticizes the agency for its “mismanagement, disorganization, ineffectiveness, and waste.”
Quote: “The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is a strategic asset in the information war, but it is not currently equipped to win that war.”

3.2 The Problem: “Bias” and “Waste” ⁽²⁶²⁾

Namdar argues that USAGM has become “biased” and “wasteful,” citing examples of alleged anti-American reporting and inefficient spending.
She criticizes the agency’s “firewall,” which is designed to protect journalists from political interference, arguing that it has been used to shield “biased” reporting.
Quote: “USAGM has become a platform for anti-American propaganda and a haven for waste and inefficiency.”

3.3 The Solution: Reform and Restructuring ⁽²⁶⁸⁾

Namdar outlines a plan to reform USAGM by:
- Strengthening the CEO’s Authority: Giving the USAGM CEO greater control over the agency’s budget, personnel, and programming.
- Consolidating and Reducing Services: Consolidating and reducing redundant services across USAGM’s networks to save money and improve efficiency.
- Eliminating the “Firewall”: Removing the “firewall” that protects journalists from political interference.
- Promoting “American Values”: Ensuring that USAGM’s programming reflects “American values” and presents a positive image of the United States.
- Investing in Traditional Media: Investing in traditional broadcasting methods, such as shortwave radio, to reach audiences in countries with limited internet access.

3.4 Specific Policy Recommendations ⁽²⁷²⁾

Repeal the “Firewall”: Repeal the “firewall” that protects USAGM journalists from political interference.
Consolidate Networks: Consolidate USAGM’s networks to reduce redundancy and save money.
Upgrade Shortwave Transmission: Upgrade and expand shortwave radio transmission capabilities.
Vet Personnel: Implement a more rigorous vetting process for USAGM personnel to ensure that they are aligned with the agency’s mission.
Counter Chinese Propaganda: Develop a comprehensive strategy to counter Chinese propaganda and disinformation.

3.5 Conclusion: Winning the Information War

Namdar concludes by arguing that a reformed USAGM is essential for winning the information war and for promoting American values and interests abroad.
She claims that these reforms will “restore USAGM’s credibility” and “make it a more effective tool for advancing American foreign policy.”

4. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Repeal the “Firewall”: Repeal the “firewall” that protects USAGM journalists from political interference. ⁽²⁷²⁾
Consolidate Networks: Consolidate USAGM’s networks to reduce redundancy and save money. ⁽²⁷⁵⁾
Upgrade Shortwave Transmission: Upgrade and expand shortwave radio transmission capabilities. ⁽²⁷⁵⁾
Vet Personnel: Implement a more rigorous vetting process for USAGM personnel to ensure that they are aligned with the agency’s mission. ⁽²⁷⁶⁾
Counter Chinese Propaganda: Develop a comprehensive strategy to counter Chinese propaganda and disinformation. ⁽²⁷⁷⁾

5. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Control the Narrative: Control the content and messaging of USAGM’s broadcasting to promote a positive image of the United States and to counter adversarial propaganda.
Promote American Exceptionalism: Use USAGM to advance American values and interests abroad, presenting a favorable view of the U.S. and its role in the world.
Counter China and Russia: Focus USAGM’s resources on countering propaganda and disinformation from China, Russia, and other adversaries.
Increase Efficiency: Streamline USAGM’s operations and reduce costs by consolidating networks and eliminating “wasteful” programs.
Strengthen Executive Control: Increase the authority of the USAGM CEO and reduce the independence of the agency’s networks, allowing for greater political control over content.

6. CROSS-REFERENCES

Agenda 47: The chapter’s emphasis on countering adversarial propaganda, promoting American values, and strengthening executive control aligns with the broader goals outlined in Trump’s Agenda 47.
Project 2025, Chapter 4: This chapter, focusing on the Department of Defense, complements Chapter 8 by highlighting the importance of information warfare in countering threats from China and Russia.
Project 2025, Chapter 6: This chapter, focusing on the Department of State, supports Chapter 8 by advocating for a more confrontational approach to foreign policy and a reduction in U.S. involvement in international organizations, which could be seen as platforms for adversarial propaganda.

7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Propaganda and Censorship: The emphasis on promoting “American values” and eliminating the “firewall” could lead to USAGM being used as a tool for government propaganda and to censor dissenting viewpoints, potentially damaging its credibility and undermining its mission of promoting freedom and democracy.
Reduced Diversity of Voices: The call for consolidating and reducing services could lead to a less diverse and less representative USAGM, potentially limiting its reach and impact by silencing alternative perspectives.
Politicization of Personnel: The call for more rigorous vetting and the removal of employees who are not aligned with the agency’s mission could lead to a purge of employees based on their political views, creating a less diverse and less qualified workforce.
Wasteful Spending: The advocacy for shortwave transmission upgrades could be seen as a wasteful investment in outdated technology, diverting resources from more effective digital platforms.
Damaged U.S. Reputation: Using USAGM for propaganda could damage America’s reputation abroad and undermine its credibility as a source of objective news and information.

8. CRITICISMS & COUNTERARGUMENTS

Undermining Journalistic Integrity: Critics might argue that eliminating the “firewall” and increasing political control over USAGM would undermine its journalistic integrity and turn it into a mouthpiece for the government.
Promoting Propaganda: Opponents might argue that the chapter’s emphasis on promoting “American values” is a euphemism for propaganda and that it would damage USAGM’s credibility as a source of objective news and information.
Silencing Dissent: Critics might argue that the call for more rigorous vetting of personnel could be used to silence dissenting voices within USAGM and to create a more homogeneous and less independent workforce.
Wasteful Spending: Opponents might argue that investing in traditional broadcasting methods, such as shortwave radio, is a waste of taxpayer money and that USAGM should focus on more effective digital platforms.

9. KEY QUOTES

“The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is a strategic asset in the information war, but it is not currently equipped to win that war.” ⁽²⁶⁰⁾ This quote sets the stage for Namdar’s argument that USAGM needs reform to be more effective in countering adversarial propaganda.
“USAGM has become a platform for anti-American propaganda and a haven for waste and inefficiency.” ⁽²⁶²⁾ This quote reflects Namdar’s belief that USAGM has strayed from its mission and has become biased and wasteful.
“To fulfill its mission, USAGM should also aim to present the truth about America and American policy—not parrot America’s adversaries’ propaganda and talking points.” ⁽²⁶⁸⁾ This quote reveals the chapter’s desire for USAGM to promote a positive image of the United States and its policies.
“The ‘firewall’ has been used to shield biased reporting and to prevent the CEO from exercising proper oversight over the agency’s networks.” ⁽²⁷²⁾ This quote highlights the chapter’s criticism of the “firewall” and its desire to increase political control over USAGM.
“Shortwave radio is a vital tool for reaching audiences in countries where internet access is limited or censored.” ⁽²⁷⁵⁾ This quote reflects the chapter’s preference for traditional broadcasting methods over digital platforms.

10. SUMMARY & SIGNIFICANCE

Chapter 8 of “Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership” outlines a plan to reform USAGM, making it more accountable to a conservative president, efficient, and effective in promoting American values and countering adversarial propaganda. The chapter’s recommendations could lead to a more politicized and less independent USAGM, with a greater emphasis on promoting American exceptionalism and a narrower range of voices and perspectives. These proposals raise serious concerns among Democrats about the potential for USAGM to be used as a tool for propaganda and for the erosion of journalistic independence.

This chapter highlights the tension between the desire to promote American values and the need to maintain journalistic integrity in government-funded international broadcasting. Namdar’s proposals raise serious concerns about the potential for USAGM to be used as a tool for propaganda and for the erosion of journalistic independence under a future conservative administration.