Lake Emphasizes Commitment to Neutral Journalism
Kari Lake, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the international broadcaster Voice of America (VOA), has stated her intent to prioritize unbiased journalism rather than transforming the government-funded outlet into a partisan platform. Speaking to CBS News, Lake said, “I’m not there to make it Trump TV or MAGA TV. That’s not what Voice of America is.”
VOA, a division of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, reaches an estimated 354 million people weekly through radio, television, and digital platforms in 49 languages. The organization operates under the mandate of providing balanced and comprehensive news to international audiences.
Lake, a former journalist and Arizona political candidate, described her vision for VOA as one rooted in journalistic integrity. “I want to ensure the staff has the resources to be the incredible journalists they’re meant to be,” she said.
Criticism of Mainstream Media and Expansion Plans
During her appearance at AmericaFest, a conservative event hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Lake criticized mainstream media, claiming it had become “obsolete” and untrustworthy. She described the media as a “barometer,” suggesting that public attacks by mainstream outlets often signal that a person is worth supporting.
Despite her criticisms, Lake expressed optimism about VOA’s current work and signaled plans to expand its coverage. “We’re talking to the world through Voice of America,” she noted. “I want to put more coverage out there, more broadcasting, and focus on great journalism—asking questions and ensuring independence.”
Lake emphasized that her role would be to foster top-quality broadcasting while encouraging reporters to set aside personal biases. She added, “I’ve never met anybody without formed beliefs. Can you, as a journalist, check this while covering the news? That’s what I’m going to be pushing for.”
Addressing Concerns of Politicization
Questions about potential politicization of VOA under Lake’s leadership have arisen due to her close ties to Trump and her previous criticisms of non-conservative media. In response, Lake maintained that her primary goal is to uphold journalistic neutrality.
“I don’t care if the reporters are Democrats or Republicans,” she said. “What matters is whether they can set aside their opinions and put out a fair and accurate assessment.”
Lake acknowledged the skepticism surrounding her appointment, citing what she perceives as unfair treatment by corporate media. “Sometimes I feel like I have to prove I don’t have horns coming out of my head,” she remarked. “The corporate mainstream media has done such a dishonest number on me.”
VOA Leadership Transition and Confirmation Process
While Lake has been nominated by Trump, she acknowledged that the appointment is not unilateral. The decision lies with a bipartisan board that must approve her and remove the current VOA director, Mike Abramowitz.
Abramowitz, in a recent email to VOA staff, expressed his commitment to a “smooth transition of power.” Lake has yet to outline specific plans for changes within the organization, stating that she needs to familiarize herself with its operations first.
Balancing Expectations and Vision
Lake’s nomination highlights the challenges of maintaining editorial independence at a government-funded outlet while navigating perceptions of political influence. Her focus on expanding VOA’s coverage and upholding journalistic integrity suggests an effort to align the broadcaster’s mission with its original mandate.
As the confirmation process unfolds, Lake’s leadership will likely be scrutinized for her ability to balance these expectations while fostering trust in VOA’s commitment to impartiality.
