The Latest Breaking News from Patsy Widakuswara

Judge rules Kari Lake's tenure leading USAGM was invalid

The ruling notably invalidates Lake's directive to lay off hundreds of employees across USAGM and the government-funded broadcasters it governs.

Axios · Mar 8

Kari Lake makes it official: Hundreds of Voice of America employees given pink slips

‘It spells the death of 83 years of independent journalism that upholds U.S. ideals of democracy and freedom around the world,’ VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara said.

The Independent UK · Jun 20, 2025

Voice of America and Radio Farda's Persian services cover Israel-Iran conflict despite cutbacks

Despite the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle or sharply cut back on U.S. government-run news outlets like Voice of America, two Persian-language services have been called into duty to report on Israel's war with Iran to Iranian audiences

The Independent UK · Jun 19, 2025

Trump admin offers Voice of America employees buyouts as judge blocks it from being shut down

Just as a federal judge issued an order blocking the administration’s efforts to dismantle the broadcaster, U.S. Agency for Global Media staffers received an email offering them a renewed opportunity to sign up for the ‘Fork in the Road’ deferred resignation program

The Independent UK · Mar 28, 2025