The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is an independent federal agency responsible for all non-military broadcasting sponsored by the U.S. government. Once a part of the United States Information Agency, BBG oversees seven international broadcasters. BBG seeks to “promote and sustain freedom” through the broadcast of news and information about the United States and the world to overseas audiences. Some of BBG’s networks were created to promote a pro-American message to audiences in the Middle East—but instead they have broadcast unflattering accounts of the U.S. In addition, the leadership of the BBG has been the source of its own, unwanted, news for misuse of federal funds for gambling and to reward personal friends.

In 1990, all U.S. government international broadcasting services began to work more closely, as new media made newsgathering faster and more prevalent. That year, the U.S. Information Agency established the Bureau of Broadcasting to consolidate its three broadcasting services: the Voice of America, WORLDNET Television and Film Service, and Radio and TV Marti. These three came together under one organization and were supported by the Office of Engineering and Technical Operations. In 1991, the Bureau of Broadcasting created the Office of Affiliate Relations and Audience Analysis (renamed the Office of Affiliate Relations and Media Training in 1996). This office was charged with establishing and maintaining a network of affiliated radio and television stations around the globe to broadcast Voice of America and WORLDNET produced programs. Today, more than 1,200 radio and television stations receive programming through the Office of Affiliate Relations.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is responsible for all non-military international broadcasting sponsored by the federal government. In order to “promote and sustain freedom,” the BBG seeks to broadcast accurate and objective news about the United States and the world overseas audiences. BBG’s work involves reaching mass audiences by programming content for AM, FM, audio and video satellite, shortwave radio and the Internet, through seven independent broadcasting organizations that collectively broadcast in 65 languages in more than 125 markets around the world. The BBG is composed o The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is responsible for all non-military international broadcasting sponsored by the federal government. In order to “promote and sustain freedom,” the BBG seeks to broadcast accurate and objective news about the United States and the world overseas audiences. BBG’s work involves reaching mass audiences by programming content for AM, FM, audio and video satellite, shortwave radio and the Internet, through seven independent broadcasting organizations that collectively broadcast in 65 languages in more than 125 markets around the world. The BBG is composed o The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is responsible for all non-military international broadcasting sponsored by the federal government. In order to “promote and sustain freedom,” the BBG seeks to broadcast accurate and objective news about the United States and the world overseas audiences. BBG’s work involves reaching mass audiences by programming content for AM, FM, audio and video satellite, shortwave radio and the Internet, through seven independent broadcasting organizations that collectively broadcast in 65 languages in more than 125 markets around the world. The BBG is composed The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is responsible for all non-military international broadcasting sponsored by the federal government. In order to “promote and sustain freedom,” the BBG seeks to broadcast accurate and objective news about the United States and the world overseas audiences. BBG’s work involves reaching mass audiences by programming content for AM, FM, audio and video satellite, shortwave radio and the Internet, through seven independent broadcasting organizations that collectively broadcast in 65 languages in more than 125 markets around the world. The BBG is composed of nine members, eight of whom are appointed by the President.

• Voice of America (VOA) offers continuously updated programs on satellite, FM, AM and shortwave radio frequencies, as well as streaming media and downloadable formats at VOANews.com.  
• Alhurra is a satellite TV channel broadcasting in the Middle East. 
• Radio Sawa is an Arabic language radio station providing news and information to youth in Arabic-speaking countries. 
• Radio Farda is a Persian language radio station based in Prague and Washington D.C. It broadcasts political, cultural, social and art news, with an emphasis on Iran. 
• Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a radio and communications organization broadcasting in 28 languages around the world via shortwave, AM, FM and the Internet. It tries to promote democracy by “disseminating factual information and ideas.”
• Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a private radio station broadcasting in nine Asian languages.
• Radio Marti and TV Marti is a radio and television broadcaster located in Miami broadcasting Spanish-language programs to Cuba and the United States.

The BBG spent more than $848 million on 30,536 contractor transactions during the period of FY 2002 to FY 2012. According to USASpending.gov, BBG paid for a variety of services, from communication, engineering and data storage to special studies and analyses in support of its programs.

BBG Networks Broadcast Anti-American Material

Should the Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S. Government-Sponsored Broadcasts Spend more Time Emphasizing American Values?

James K. Glassman (June 2007 to December 2007)