House committee criticizes US agency for funding foreign media.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, has raised concerns about the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees entities like Voice of America (VOA) that reach a vast global audience with 48 different languages and 354 million viewers. The agency has been under scrutiny due to allegations of mismanagement and obstruction of investigations.
An investigation led by Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans has focused on Setareh Sieg, a VOA journalist who faced suspension and potential firing in early January 2021, only to be reinstated following President Biden’s inauguration. The probe centered on claims that Sieg misrepresented her academic background by falsely claiming to have a Ph.D. from a French university. Documents obtained by the committee revealed contradictory information from the University of Paris and the French Embassy, indicating Sieg did not receive a doctorate.
Whistleblower testimonies also highlighted allegations of preferential treatment and questionable hiring practices by Sieg, including the awarding of a large contract to a favored media company. Furthermore, Sieg was accused of breaching VOA’s journalistic code over coverage of then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, leading to her suspension and subsequent involvement in efforts to call for resignations within VOA.
USAGM CEO Kate Bennett has refuted the committee’s claims, arguing against the prolonged investigation of a single employee, stating it hinders the agency’s ability to fulfill its foreign policy objectives. However, the GOP report defended the importance of holding Sieg accountable to prevent future misconduct and maintain the agency’s integrity.
The investigation prompted USAGM to reopen its inquiry into Sieg, resulting in a letter of reprimand. Bennett strongly denied any politicization or corruption in the agency’s handling of personnel matters, emphasizing the commitment to upholding the mission of connecting people worldwide in support of freedom and democracy.
Despite disagreements between the committee, USAGM, and Sieg’s representation, the ongoing scrutiny sheds light on the challenges faced by government agencies responsible for international media outreach. The complexities of managing diverse platforms and ensuring ethical conduct in journalistic practices underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in upholding public trust.
As developments continue to unfold in this investigation, stakeholders must strive to uphold the values of integrity and credibility in promoting democracy and information exchange on a global scale.
