Former Arizona newscaster Kari Lake is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to become the next director of Voice of America, the federal government funded media outlet aimed at an international audience.
It was not immediately clear how Lake’s role at the agency would take form, but she took to social media to label the outlet as “promoting democracy and truth.”
She also noted the far-extending reach of VOA abroad. “Under my leadership, the VOA will excel in its mission: chronicling America’s achievements worldwide,” wrote Lake.
Here’s a glimpse at what VOA does and how it might look under Lake’s leadership.
Trump will nominate someone as the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, whose six-member, Senate-confirmed board must approve the pick for VOA director.
VOA’s worldwide mission is to share multimedia US-based news
Voice of America acted as the international broadcaster for the U.S. government and was distributed across more than 354 million people in nearly 50 languages, according to the outlet’s website.
VOA was integrated as part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media and was funded by taxpayer dollars.
The outlet operates under the VOA Charter, codified in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, which made permanent the journalistic and editorial freedom of the news outlet.
It included the testament that “VOA news will be accurate, objective, and comprehensive … (and) present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.”
VOA is headquartered in Washington D.C., where their radio and television studios were housed. It is unclear whether Lake would relocate there.
How Kari Lake’s leadership might take shape
It also was unclear whether Lake, who appeared for years on Phoenix’s Fox 10 news, would take on broadcasting duties in addition to managerial responsibilities.
As the new director of VOA, Kari Lake would likely earn a six-figure salary.
The USAGM was required to submit a Congressional Budget Justification report that described the current goals and financial needs of VOA and other government media outlets.
In 2023, nearly $6,500,000 was allocated to the VOA Director Office, which also was responsible for money used for resource management, research, and public relations, according to the report.
Online job finder Glassdoor said the executive director for VOA earned an annual median salary of about $150,000 in 2024.
VOA did not immediately respond to The Arizona Republic’s request for more information about director duties and salary.
Current VOA director comments on Lake appointment
On Thursday, VOA director Mike Abramowitz announced Lake’s appointment to the role in an email to employees, according to a story by the outlet.
“I welcome a smooth transition of power for both USAGM and VOA. I intend to cooperate with the new administration and follow the process,” said Abramowitz, as reported by VOA.
Abramowitz was named director of VOA in April and brought experience from the Washington Post after time as president of Freedom House, a nonprofit political advocacy group that focuses on pro-democracy efforts.
