Broadcasting Board of Governors
Jeff Hurvitz: The world deserves to hear about America
At the tip of Florida’s southern-most point is Key West, just 90 miles from Havana, Cuba. Only 50 miles north in Marathon Key is a transmitter that broadcasts news from our open and free society into the ears of a population that is bombarded with censored information befitting its country’s communist dictatorship.
Radio Marti has existed since 1985, established by then President Ronald Reagan as a bulwark against the constraints of that repressive society. Through its AM frequency, it brings uncensored news from the world through its 100,000 watts of power, double the highest output of other AM stations in this country.
The Trump administration has issued an executive order to eliminate the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the parent entity of this Radio Free Liberty, the home of Radio Marti, along with Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. The move is baffling. It fits in with the administration’s attempt to slash federal expenditures. But it is antithetical to the missions of promoting the exemplary lifestyle of our country and presenting a model to which encumbered peoples can aspire.
Radio Free Europe used to run TV ads that said “the Iron Curtain isn’t sound proof.” Beginning in the 1940’s, its signal reached those who were under the thumb of Soviet repression. It enlightened countless millions who would otherwise get propaganda posing as news.
On February 9th, Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk posted on X.com: “Europe is free now.” The world’s richest person apparently hasn’t paid attention to the thumb of Russian repression under which 143 million of its citizens operate. Russia’s expansionist tendencies must escape him. Perhaps he views the attempted take over of Ukraine to be anything but noteworthy. It is also in keeping with the Trump aim of isolationism, an unrealistic goal in a world that is forever interconnected.
When you have something good, an enviable product, it’s a good idea to promote it. Through all its flaws, the U.S. is that product. It is still a beacon for repressed peoples everywhere. To not continue to share the goodness of our country through these avenues is a mistake. It’s a dereliction of duty.
As Cubans, Europeans and others listen to messages coming from our country, they may just need to savor them. The days of their broadcasts may be numbered. And with them going dark, so, too, will the hopes of those under the rule of dictatorships.
Jeff Hurvitz (jrhurvitz@aol.com) is a freelance writer and native Philadelphian.
This makes the third column in a week where the author has expressed concern over programs that have been cancelled by Trump. What they keep forgetting is that they write articles that have for a website that has openly promoted and supported Trump. Ignoring his actions during his first term in office, along with his direct ties to Project 2025. All of which was implemented by an unelected bearucart. The same type of person who accused Biden of doing.
You made thus mess, now you get to live with it.
You paint with a broad brush, Judah.
Am I wrong?
There’s a lot of different opinions on here, though you somehow seem to be mad at all of them, even the ones you agree with. Diversity of opinion is a wonderful thing in a publication. If you want to read something where all the opinions are the same, may I suggest a subscription to the Inquirer?
There is no diversity of opinion when it comes to the people who are published on this website, its all about supporting MAGA politics. With the focus on fringe elements, while ignoring how Americans are being affected by the cuts Trump makes and the laws he breaks in the process.