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Radio Free Asia Shuts Down Amid Funding Crisis

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Radio Free Asia will cease its news operations on Friday, the first shutdown since 1996.
The closure triggers layoffs and regional office closures in major Asian cities, including Istanbul and Yangon.
The shutdown is linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to cut federal funding and the ongoing government shutdown.
Cameron Lang, the organization's general counsel, said a lack of a new budget halted funding.

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Story summary

Radio Free Asia will cease its news operations on Friday, the first shutdown since 1996.
The closure triggers layoffs and regional office closures in major Asian cities, including Istanbul and Yangon.
The shutdown is linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to cut federal funding and the ongoing government shutdown.
Cameron Lang, the organization's general counsel, said a lack of a new budget halted funding.