January 22nd – The director and deputy director of the U.S. government-funded news organization Voice of America was dismissed. U.S. media pointed out that the Biden administration was taking action quickly after taking office, replacing some people close to the previous government.
According to the Associated Press, the day after Biden took office, on the 21st local time, the Voice announced that its director Robert Riley and deputy director Elizabeth Robbins had been dismissed.
Two VOA staff members familiar with the situation said that Riley and Robbins left VOA headquarters escorted by security personnel.
In addition, they also revealed that Jeffrey Shapiro, who had just been appointed to manage Radio and Television Marty, which broadcasts to Cuba, resigned at the request of the new government.
It is reported that all three people were appointed by Michael Parker, CEO of the U.S. International Media Agency, selected by Trump himself. Parker has been asked to leave after Biden was sworn in.
U.S. media said that Biden had been expected to make major adjustments to the structure and management of the Voice of America, and Parker’s departure indicates that these adjustments will come soon.
