Problems of International Broadcasting by the American Government

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present an objective evaluation of the work of the Voice of America. Much has been written from a biased standpoint -- little that is objective. Indeed, it was an editorial bitterly attacking the Voice which first gave the author the idea for this study . And, in fact, the study was begun with a negative attitude towar the Voice. That attitude has changed. To fully understand and evaluate the Voice, a knowledge of the historical background and facilities of it and its parent organization, the United tates Information Agency, is necessary. Much of both the bad and the good in the work of the Voice is a result of its historical development and the tools with which it has to work. The longest and most detailed section of this report is concerned with a program breakdown and analysis. This is so for two reasons . First, the author feels that only with a knowledge of what VOA broadcasts can any effective discussion of its work be undertaken. And second, he feels that such a fresh analysis is an original contribution. [From Preface]