USAGM nominee Sarah Rogers highlights power of free information
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IN SHORT
Sarah Rogers, nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and Michelle Steel, the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, have both outlined key priorities for their respective roles. Rogers emphasized the critical role of free information in closed societies and pledged to review staffing and editorial independence at the Voice of America's parent agency, aiming to sharpen the U.S. media's challenge to China. Meanwhile, Ambassador Steel, arriving in Seoul, called for a 'results oriented' and 'forward leaning' alliance with South Korea, stressing mutual benefit and addressing strategic threats under President Donald J. Trump's leadership.
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Who's Involved
Sarah Rogers
nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media
U.S. Agency for Global Media
U.S. government agency focused on global media
Voice of America
U.S. state-funded international radio broadcaster
Michelle Steel
new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea
South Korea
U.S. ally in East Asia
Republic of Korea
official name for South Korea
President Donald J. Trump
U.S. President
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Key facts
Sarah Rogers is nominated to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Rogers emphasized the power of free information in closed societies.
North Korean defectors risked their lives to flee after hearing of freedom through American radio.
Rogers pledged to review staffing at the Voice of America's parent agency.
Rogers committed to sharpening the U.S. media's challenge to China.
Michelle Steel is the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.
Steel called for a 'results oriented' alliance with South Korea.
Steel stressed mutual benefit in the alliance.
Steel highlighted shared democratic values and economic ties with South Korea.
Steel noted the need to address strategic threats with South Korea.
Sarah Rogers, nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has detailed her vision during a Senate confirmation hearing, emphasizing the power of free information in closed societies. Rogers cited North Korean defectors who risked their lives to escape, having been exposed to notions of freedom through American radio broadcasts. She also pledged to review staffing and potentially rehire employees within the Voice of America's parent agency. Rogers committed to sharpening the U.S. media's challenge to China.
In parallel, Michelle Steel, the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, has articulated her approach to the bilateral relationship. Arriving in Seoul to assume her post, Steel authored an op-ed and called for joint efforts to advance the U.S.-ROK alliance, describing it as 'results oriented' and 'forward leaning.' She stressed the importance of mutual benefit, even amidst potential differences, and highlighted the alliance's strength and future under President Donald J. Trump's leadership. Steel underscored shared democratic values, robust economic ties, and the necessity of addressing strategic threats as pillars of the alliance.
↳ Why This Matters
Sarah Rogers, nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has detailed her vision during a Senate confirmation hearing, emphasizing the power of free information in closed societies. Rogers cited North Korean defectors who risked their lives to escape, having been exposed to notions of freedom through American radio broadcasts. She also pledged to review staffing and potentially rehire employees within the Voice of America's parent agency. Rogers committed to sharpening the U.S. media's challenge to China.
Frequently asked questions
Sarah Rogers is the nominee to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and currently serves as the under secretary of state for public diplomacy.
USAGM is a U.S. government agency that oversees Voice of America (VOA) and other government broadcasters, and provides funding for outlets like Radio Free Asia.
Defectors told Rogers that snippets of American radio were the first hints they heard of another kind of life, and that they risked torture and death fleeing toward a freedom they only heard existed.
If confirmed, Rogers stated she would lead efforts focused on "truth-telling" and using free information as a tool of American foreign policy.
What Happens Next
01Senate confirmation vote on Sarah Rogers' nomination.
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