Why should American taxpayers continue to fund international broadcasting when there is CNN and Sky Channel etc.?
U.S. international broadcasting continues to fill a critical void, especially in countries that lack a free press. Access to products like CNN International is far from universal and often limited to elite travelers in their hotel rooms. While the BBG broadcasts in 60 languages, CNN is largely limited to English speakers. Reaching local populations in their own languages, as well as English, we can provide them with accurate and reliable news and provide an alternative to local media that may be prolific, but may also be government controlled and subject to censorship. Wherever possible, we broadcast in the media—TV, AM/FM or shortwave radio, and the Internet—that give us the broadest possible reach.
