TNSR-20世纪20年代美国媒体战略：来自冷战的经验教训（英文）-2021.3-14页_1mb

U.S. Media Strategy for the 2020s: Lessons from the Cold War

Core Content

The document outlines a strategic approach for the U.S. to revitalize its international broadcasting efforts in the 2020s, drawing on the historical success of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) during the Cold War. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the credibility and independence of U.S. media in the global arena, particularly in countering authoritarian narratives and supporting democratic development in regions where freedom of the press is restricted.

Main Viewpoints

• U.S. International Broadcasting as a National Security Tool: The document argues that international broadcasting, particularly RFE/RL, played a crucial role in promoting American values and supporting the transition to democracy in the former Eastern bloc during the Cold War.
• Need for Institutional Independence: The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) was criticized for undermining the independence of RFE/RL and other broadcasters through the 2017 amendment and the appointment of Michael Pack as CEO.
• Strategic Role of RFE/RL: RFE/RL served as a "surrogate" media, providing balanced and factual news, as well as cultural and educational content, to help shape public opinion and support democratic institutions in closed societies.
• Bipartisan Support is Essential: The author highlights the importance of bipartisan backing in maintaining the effectiveness and integrity of international broadcasting, citing the support of then-Senator Joe Biden in the 1990s to prevent the closure of RFE/RL.

Key Information

Historical Context

• RFE/RL and the Voice of America (VOA) were central to U.S. Cold War strategy, offering news and cultural programming that bypassed Soviet censorship.
• They were credited by leaders like Lech Walesa and Václav Havel for contributing to the fall of communism and the rise of democracy in Eastern Europe.
• RFE/RL's role was not only to report the news but also to educate and inform audiences about Western values, culture, and democratic practices.

Structural Challenges

• In 2017, Congress passed an amendment that weakened the oversight of international broadcasting by eliminating the bipartisan Broadcasting Board of Governors and granting the CEO of USAGM broad authority.
• This amendment blurred the lines between government-run and private grantee organizations, undermining the independence of RFE/RL and other services.
• The Trump administration's appointment of Michael Pack as CEO further eroded credibility, as he fired key personnel and restricted the work of foreign journalists.

RFE/RL's Strategic Goals

• Educational Role: RFE/RL aimed to serve as an educational institution, helping newly democratic societies understand and develop democratic institutions.
• Credibility and Balance: The programming was based on professional standards, fact-based reporting, and a strategic mix of news and feature content to counter disinformation.
• Cultural and Intellectual Contribution: RFE/RL provided a platform for Russian intellectuals, artists, and dissidents who were silenced by the Soviet regime, offering them a voice to the world.

Biden's Role in Preserving RFE/RL

• During the Clinton administration, RFE/RL faced potential closure due to the "peace dividend" rhetoric.
• Senator Joe Biden played a pivotal role in opposing this and working with the Board for International Broadcasting to preserve the station.
• He recognized the importance of RFE/RL's independent structure in maintaining its credibility and effectiveness.

Future Strategy Recommendations

• The Biden administration should repeal the 2017 amendment and restore the bipartisan oversight model.
• A new global media strategy should be developed to define the role of international broadcasting in advancing U.S. national security interests.
• The strategy should emphasize the educational, cultural, and informational contributions of RFE/RL, especially in regions with weak or non-existent free media.

Conclusion

The document concludes that the lessons from the Cold War, particularly the success of RFE/RL, are still relevant today. It argues that the U.S. must reassert its leadership in the global media landscape by restoring the independence and credibility of its international broadcasting operations, which are vital for countering authoritarian narratives and supporting democratic development worldwide.