Sec. 316. United States Agency for Global Media
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Congress makes the following findings: Owing to their reliable reputation, United States Agency for Global Media networks and grantees, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, have seen an increase in traffic on their online platforms. These broadcasting entities have proven valuable in providing timely and accurate information, particularly in countries in which the free press is under threat. It is the sense of Congress that— accurate, investigative, and scientific journalism is critical for societies to effectively combat global health; and Congress supports— United States Agency for Global Media network and grantee investigative and scientific reporting on COVID–19; and platforms that help dispel and combat misinformation about the pandemic.
There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 to the United States Agency for Global Media for fiscal year 2021, which shall be used by USAGM or its networks— to enhance investigative and specialized reporting on COVID–19; to expand efforts to counter COVID–19 disinformation in its media markets, which suffer from a lack of objective journalism on the pandemic; to increase staff training in circumvention tools and other cyber capabilities; and to increase staff and resources to provide appropriate research and support services.
There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to the United States Agency for Global Media Authorization for fiscal year 2021, which shall be used— to enhance the operational capacity of its networks to respond to the COVID–19 pandemic; and to upgrade information technology infrastructure, including broadcasting equipment, and enhance telecommunications. It is the sense of Congress that amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (c)(1) that are made available to Voice of America should be used— to expand programs, such as POLYGRAPH.info; to provide critical tools for combating propaganda; to assist journalists in providing accurate information to local media outlets; to hire additional staff, including reporters, writers, and producers; and to contract with language-specific production companies.
It is the sense of Congress that— the Office of Cuba Broadcasting should continue its reporting on issues affecting the Cuban people, including COVID–19; and Radio, TV, and Digital Marti should continue to broadcast programs that detect, highlight, and dispel disinformation. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty operates in media markets in which nonstate actors and authoritarian states, including Russia, heavily invest in misinformation and disinformation campaigns designed to promote confusion and mistrust.
It is the sense of Congress that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty should— increase investigative reporting regarding— the impacts of COVID–19; the political and social responses governments are taking in response to COVID–19; and the lasting impacts such actions will have on key political freedoms; and expand its digital first strategy. Radio Free Asia operates in a media market dominated by powerful state-run media that have invested heavily in media distortion and disinformation.
It is the sense of Congress that Radio Free Asia should— commission technical experts to bolster efforts to counter social media tools, including bots used by some countries to promote misinformation; expand digital programming and local coverage to expose China’s media manipulation techniques; and increase English language content to help counter China’s propaganda directed toward English-speaking audiences. The Middle East Broadcasting Networks operate largely in closed media markets in which malign state and nonstate actors remain active.
It is the sense of Congress that the Middle East Broadcasting Networks should— continue its plans to expand its investigative news unit; and work to ensure that reporting continues amidst operational challenges on the ground.