Kari Lake, the new head of the government-funded news outlet Voice of America, recently stated in an interview with CBS News that her goal is not to transform the organization into “MAGA TV,” but rather to bring back politically neutral journalism. Lake, a former broadcast journalist and unsuccessful candidate for governor and a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, was selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the international broadcaster.
Voice of America, which operates under the U.S. Agency for Global Media, reaches an estimated 354 million people per week in 49 languages through radio, television, and online platforms. Despite being a government-funded organization, VOA is run by an independent federal agency.
During a speech at AmericaFest, a political event hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Lake criticized non-conservative media outlets, referring to them as “fake news” and stating that they have become obsolete. She urged the audience to support individuals targeted by the mainstream media, viewing them as a barometer of credibility.
In her interview with CBS News, Lake emphasized her desire to provide VOA staff with the resources needed to excel in their journalism. She expressed her intention to expand the organization’s coverage and output, focusing on quality journalism, asking critical questions, and ensuring independence among journalists.
Addressing concerns about politicizing the news organization, Lake emphasized the importance of journalists setting aside their personal beliefs to deliver fair and accurate reporting. She acknowledged the inherent biases that individuals hold but emphasized the need for journalists to maintain objectivity in their work.
Lake also shared her frustration with how the corporate media has portrayed her, stating that she often feels the need to prove that she does not align with the negative image created by mainstream outlets. Despite facing criticism, Lake remains committed to upholding journalistic standards and providing a platform for diverse perspectives at Voice of America.
As Lake settles into her new role, her vision for VOA includes expanding coverage, promoting independent journalism, and fostering a commitment to quality reporting. With a background in broadcast journalism and a passion for media integrity, Lake aims to lead Voice of America in a direction that upholds its mission of providing accurate and unbiased news to a global audience.
