Trump's Kari Lake 'pick' sparks fears at Voice of America

Dec. 12, 2024, 8:30 p.m. Politics

The appointment of former news anchor and Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake as the new CEO of Voice of America has sparked fears and concerns within the media industry and among employees of the federally funded international broadcaster. Lake, known for her ties to former President Donald Trump and her controversial views on the media, has raised questions about the independence and credibility of VOA as a trusted source of news and information.

The announcement of Lake's appointment came as a surprise to many within the media industry, as VOA is known for its commitment to journalistic integrity and objective reporting. Lake, on the other hand, has a history of promoting conspiracy theories and spreading misinformation, particularly during her time as a news anchor in Arizona. Her vocal support for Trump and her often inflammatory remarks about the media have raised concerns about her ability to lead a respected news organization like VOA.

Many employees of VOA have expressed concerns about Lake's appointment, fearing that her close ties to Trump and her controversial views could harm the reputation of the broadcaster. Some worry that Lake's appointment is a reflection of the Trump administration's efforts to undermine the credibility of independent media organizations and promote propaganda and disinformation.

In a statement following her appointment, Lake insisted that she would uphold the principles of journalistic integrity and ensure that VOA remains a trusted source of news and information for audiences around the world. However, her past remarks and behavior have left many skeptical of her ability to lead VOA in a fair and unbiased manner.

Critics of Lake's appointment argue that her close ties to Trump and her history of spreading misinformation make her an unsuitable choice to lead VOA, which is funded by the U.S. government and is tasked with providing accurate and objective news coverage to audiences in countries where press freedom is limited. They fear that Lake's appointment could further erode public trust in the media and undermine VOA's credibility as an impartial news source.

Some have called for Lake to step down from her position as CEO of VOA, citing concerns about her qualifications and her ability to lead a diverse and global news organization. Others have urged Congress to take action to ensure that VOA remains independent and free from political interference.

In response to the backlash, Lake has promised to uphold the values of journalistic integrity and independence at VOA and to work towards rebuilding trust with audiences and employees. Whether she will be able to overcome the skepticism surrounding her appointment and lead VOA effectively remains to be seen.

Overall, the appointment of Kari Lake as CEO of Voice of America has raised significant concerns and fears within the media industry and among employees of the broadcaster. Her close ties to Trump and her history of promoting conspiracy theories and misinformation have cast doubt on her ability to lead VOA in a fair and unbiased manner. The future of VOA under Lake's leadership remains uncertain, as critics and observers alike continue to monitor her actions and decisions closely.