Voice of America Integrates OAN Content in Major Shift

May. 7, 2025, 6:00 am ET

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  • Senior presidential adviser Kari Lake announces that Voice of America will incorporate coverage from the far-right OAN network.
  • OAN has consistently supported President Trump and his policies.
  • This move is part of a broader effort to reshape the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

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Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Kari Lake, a senior presidential adviser, has revealed plans for Voice of America to use content from One America News Network (OAN), a far-right media outlet known for its unwavering support of President Trump. This decision is part of a larger strategy to reform the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which has been criticized for inefficiencies and alleged biases.

Core Players

  • Kari Lake – Senior presidential adviser
  • One America News Network (OAN) – Far-right media outlet
  • Voice of America – U.S. government-funded international broadcaster
  • U.S. Agency for Global Media – Parent agency of Voice of America

Key Numbers

  • $250 million – Cost of a controversial lease for a Pennsylvania Avenue high-rise criticized by Lake
  • $9 million – Commission paid to a private real estate agent for the lease
  • Hundreds of millions – Funds allegedly spent on “fake news companies” according to Lake’s report

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The Catalyst

Kari Lake’s announcement follows a series of criticisms aimed at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which she described as “irretrievably broken” due to alleged massive national security violations, self-dealing, and obscene over-spending.

Lake emphasized the need for accountability and reform within the agency.

Inside Forces

The decision to incorporate OAN’s coverage reflects a significant shift in the ideological direction of Voice of America. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to align the agency’s content with the current administration’s views.

Lake has been instrumental in pushing for these changes, citing the need to restore the agency’s core mission of promoting American values and democracy globally.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between the current administration and OAN is closely aligned, with OAN having provided consistent support to President Trump. This alliance suggests a strategic move to influence global media narratives in favor of the administration’s policies.

Lake’s role as a senior adviser underscores her influence in shaping these media strategies.

Outside Impact

The integration of OAN’s content into Voice of America is expected to have significant implications for global media. Critics argue that this could lead to the dissemination of biased information, potentially undermining the credibility of Voice of America.

Supporters, however, see this as a necessary step to counter what they perceive as liberal biases in international broadcasting.

Future Forces

The future of Voice of America and the U.S. Agency for Global Media will likely be shaped by ongoing reforms and the integration of new content sources. Key areas to watch include:

  • Content quality and bias
  • Global reception and credibility
  • Regulatory oversight and accountability
  • Public and stakeholder reactions

Data Points

  • March 14, 2025: Presidential Executive Order to reduce federal bureaucracy issued
  • March 15, 2025: Kari Lake announces compliance with the executive order and criticizes the agency’s past practices
  • May 7, 2025: Announcement of OAN’s coverage integration into Voice of America

The integration of OAN’s far-right coverage into Voice of America marks a significant shift in the U.S. government’s approach to international broadcasting. As the landscape of global media continues to evolve, the impact of this decision will be closely watched by both domestic and international audiences.