Why Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Matter for America

Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) are two of the most important purveyors of information in closed societies around the globe. Both services provide a public good to people living under restrictive authoritarian governments in Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and beyond. For decades, RFA and RFE/RL have provided cost-effective, life-changing information access, weakening tyrannical governments and increasing goodwill toward the United States.

Unfortunately, RFA and RFE/RL now face an uncertain future following an executive order to cut their funding. But Congress has the opportunity to right the ship. At Hudson, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders will gather for a conversation on next steps the US government should take to provide a future for RFA and RFE/RL. Hyun-Seung Lee, lead strategist for the Global Peace Foundation, will deliver remarks. Then an expert panel will discuss how these agencies can ensure comprehensive information access around the globe.