Have you ever thought about the power of a voice? Not just any voice, but the Voice of America. Picture this: It’s 1949, and in Moscow, Soviet authorities are so threatened by the truth being broadcasted by the Voice of America that they resort to jamming its frequencies with noise. Fast forward to 2025, and we find ourselves facing a similar situation—an executive order taking VOA off the air for the first time since World War II.

Imagine being in a world where facts are twisted, where propaganda reigns supreme. This is why voices like VOA are crucial. As Senator Jeanne Shaheen aptly points out, cutting off independent media abroad leaves the U.S. vulnerable at home. It’s not just about broadcasting news; it’s about upholding truth in a sea of lies.

In a time where misinformation spreads like wildfire—be it through social media platforms or foreign propaganda campaigns—the absence of platforms like VOA is deeply concerning. The impact goes beyond borders; it affects individuals living under oppressive regimes who rely on these broadcasts as their only source of accurate information.

“VOA broadcasts have been a first line of defense against disinformation.”

But what happens when these voices are silenced? Putin celebrates; dictators around the globe rejoice. The dismantling of USAGM and VOA isn’t just about cutting budgets—it’s about stripping away a lifeline for many who seek truth in a web woven with lies.

The power of these broadcasts extends far beyond mere numbers—they represent hope for those living under oppression, be it in China, North Korea, or Myanmar. These journalists risk their lives to bring light into darkness, to offer an alternative narrative to what authoritarian regimes feed their people.

As we stand on the cusp of an era where AI could reshape information warfare as we know it, safeguarding platforms like VOA becomes paramount. In a landscape where narratives can be manipulated at will, restoring these networks is crucial to ensure that truth prevails over fiction.

“When wars break out, truth is one of the first casualties.”

Senator Shaheen urges both Republicans and Democrats to unite in this cause—to preserve not just freedom of speech but also freedom of information dissemination. In an age where governments seek to control narratives more than ever before, empowering journalists and media outlets becomes an act of defiance against tyranny.

So let us remember why voices like VOA matter—because they bridge chasms between deception and reality; because they shine light into corners shrouded in darkness; because they remind us that amidst chaos and confusion, there remains one constant: the unwavering call for truth.