United States Agency for Global Media

The President’s FY 2019 Budget Request released today

February 12, 2018

Washington, D.C. — BBG to continue emphasizing maximum impact

The Broadcasting Board of Governors’ (BBG) portion of the President’s FY 2019 Budget Request, released today, continues to expand global freedom of information and expression and communicate America’s democratic experience and values around the world.

“In a world awash with media, and saturated in often false narratives and disinformation, our work is more important than ever,” said BBG CEO and Director John F. Lansing. “Audiences around the world are hungry for the exceptional news and information that we offer, and we will continue to meet that demand.”

The $661.1 million in the President’s FY 2019 Budget Request represents strategic investments that build on the BBG’s successful efforts in confronting state-sponsored disinformation, accelerating the shift to digital and interactive platforms, and strengthening accountability. The President’s FY 2019 Budget Request also includes program and operation reductions at the agency’s Offices of Technology, Services, and Innovation and Cuba Broadcasting, and at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, one of the BBG-sponsored networks.

Although the President’s FY19 funding request represents a $24 million reduction from the FY 2018 Budget Request, it prioritizes funding for the U.S. National Security Strategy objectives of “Preserving Peace through Strength” and “Advancing American Influence” by expanding freedom of information and expression and communicating America’s democratic experience and values. This includes enhancing reporting on violent extremism, premiering additional fact-based alternatives to Russian propaganda, and increasing content and distribution options to China and Iran.

Today, the BBG is uniquely positioned – through its enduring mission, the vital support of our excellent Board of Governors, revitalized leadership, greatly improved internal coordination and collaboration, and expanded global reach on all media platforms – to combat disinformation and extremism and to communicate America’s story and values to the world.

“Today’s fast-changing media environment requires that we continually improve our operations in order to make the most of our journalistic impact,” said Lansing. “As stewards of the American taxpayers’ dollars, we are committed to improving our operations in order to maximize effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.”