Wexler to Chair Hearing on U.S. International Broadcasting and the Use of Soft Power
Will Call for Additional Funding for VOA, RFE/RL and International Broadcasting

(Washington, DC) Tomorrow, Thursday, July 23, 2009, Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will chair a Subcommittee on Europe hearing focused on American international broadcasting, more specifically how Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and Voice of America (VOA) serve as key elements of American diplomacy and the use of soft power. The hearing will focus on how  U.S. international broadcasting operations enhance democracy, civil society, human rights and ensure the free flow of information globally, especially in authoritarian nations, like Iran, that suppress free press.  Witnesses at the hearing, include Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin, President and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Mr. Danforth Austin, Director of Voice of America. The Europe Subcommittee hearing will be held at 10:30am in room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC.

“This hearing comes at a critical time as the world’s most repressive regimes seek to crack down, suppress and stifle freedom of the media and expression. Radio-Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America are critical tools that are on the front-line, broadcasting unfettered information globally in multiple languages, and acting as media surrogates where freedom of the press does not exist.

“I strongly condemn censorship and intimidation of the press in the Iran, Russia and globally. It is critically important that the United States support those individuals around the globe seeking access to news and other forms of information, rather than controlled authoritarian propaganda. President Obama has made international broadcasting a priority for American policy success. It is imperative that Congress provide sufficient funding to give U.S. international broadcasters the tools they need to ensure the free-flow of information.”

Visit the Europe Subcommittee's website here.

Congressman Robert Wexler is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Recently, Congressman Wexler served as an advisor on Middle East issues to President Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign.

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