WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Nestled within a historic square mile of what was once an important relay station for global broadcasts, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role of independent journalism and the struggles it faces.
Jack Dominic, the museum’s executive director, referred to the now-silent site as a "telling history" of how powerful information can transcend borders and anti-democratic agendas, particularly in an era marked by rising government censorship.
"This is the transmitter that broadcast the first Voice of America," Dominic pointed out, gesturing to the remnants of a once-thriving relay station that sent signals across the globe, from Europe to Africa to South America.
Established in 1942, VOA was intended to provide accurate news and information to counter Nazi propaganda. The U.S. government recognized the importance of combating misinformation and shaping narratives during wartime.
After World War II, VOA's mission expanded to counter Soviet propaganda during the Cold War. The agency aimed to provide an alternative narrative to the official state-controlled media in authoritarian regimes, often aligning its efforts with U.S. military strategy and interests in these regions.
But it wasn’t just news, cultural programming was a huge part of the mission.
“One of the most popular programs was jazz … who would have thunk?” Dominic said. ” It was a sound that not only resonated with audiences but also sparked curiosity in nations where information was tightly controlled. He believes the efforts held significant influence over historical events, stating, 'The end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union can be directly related to things like the Voice of America.'”
WATCH: Voice of America's impact on the globe today
While countries like Russia and Germany constructed radios calibrated for state-controlled messaging, countless individuals across authoritarian regimes modified their devices to tap into broadcasts from the BBC and the VOA.
"It gets back to what people will do to seek the truth," Dominic said.
Voice of America remains active, broadcasting information across the globe to this day. According to the organization, around 220 million people weekly rely on the VOA for information, highlighting its significance as a tool of democracy and a crucial counter-narrative against government propaganda in repressive countries.
However, a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump has raised alarms over the future of VOA. The order targeted the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the parent company of the Voice of America, which resulted in the indefinite leave of over 900 full-time employees and the termination of nearly 600 contractors. Critics, including the National Press Club, have condemned the order as a severe blow to America’s commitment to a free and independent press.
A statement from the White House contended that the order aimed to ensure that taxpayers are "no longer on the hook for radical propaganda," but many, including Dominic, see it as a direct strike against the core principles of journalistic integrity and free expression.
Dominic has spoken to countless individuals from around the world who grew up with the familiar broadcasts of the VOA, many of whom believed in the credibility of the station because "no country would air their negative information." This transparency fostered an environment of trust, even amid global tumult.
Amidst these challenges, the National Voice of America Museum continues to cultivate awareness about the importance of independent media, remaining open to the public and offering private tours.
Meanwhile, six VOA journalists have launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that the actions violate their First Amendment rights to free speech and the press.
As we look to the future, the lessons from the past echo louder than ever: the struggle for unfiltered information is ongoing, vital not only to democracy but also to the global quest for truth.
Plan a visit to the museum by visiting their website.
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