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Radio Free Asia Shuts Down Amid Funding Crisis

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Radio Free Asia (RFA) will suspend news operations due to funding cuts from the Trump administration and the ongoing US government shutdown.
RFA's president, Bay Fang, announced the organization will close overseas bureaus and lay off staff who have been on unpaid leave since March 2023.
Critics, including US ambassador Nicholas Burns, argue that this closure undermines truthful reporting on authoritarian regimes, especially in China.
RFA's executive editor highlighted the risk to independent journalism, while Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continues operations despite similar funding issues.

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Story summary

Radio Free Asia (RFA) will suspend news operations due to funding cuts from the Trump administration and the ongoing US government shutdown.
RFA's president, Bay Fang, announced the organization will close overseas bureaus and lay off staff who have been on unpaid leave since March 2023.
Critics, including US ambassador Nicholas Burns, argue that this closure undermines truthful reporting on authoritarian regimes, especially in China.
RFA's executive editor highlighted the risk to independent journalism, while Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continues operations despite similar funding issues.