Beaming America to the World

Anne Applebaum's fine April 22 op-ed, "Radio to Stay Tuned To," recognized the work of the diligent and courageous journalists at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). As chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), let me provide additional context.

RFE/RL is one of five international broadcasting networks funded by U.S. taxpayers and supervised by the BBG, a bipartisan board. The others are Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Radio and TV Martí, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Following their legislative mandate and the precepts of professional, objective journalism, our broadcasters explain U.S. policy and help advance freedom, mainly in nations severely lacking in free media.

RFE/RL's annual budget of about $79 million represents about one-twelfth of the total budget for BBG broadcasters. Since 2001, Congress and the president have provided funding for new and expanded broadcasts to the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Africa and Asia.

The BBG's global weekly audience has grown from 100 million to 155 million in the past six years. Funding also has been provided for RFE/RL to move to a new, state-of-the-art broadcast headquarters in Prague later this year.

Americans can be proud of the work their international broadcasters are doing -- often at great personal sacrifice.

JAMES K. GLASSMAN

Chairman, Broadcasting Board of Governors

Washington