VOA Expands Audience: The Washington Post

VOA's Expands Audience -- Nice piece that quotes me! in today's Front Section of the Washington Post. check it out

Voice of America expands audience
Latin America becomes a focus as leaders there criticize U.S.
Washington Post - November 24, 2009
MIAMI -- Facing a group of presidents loudly critical of Washington, the U.S. government's Voice of America broadcast is expanding its audience in Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua, VOA officials said.
...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112303863.html

Afghan Star

Just wanted to make sure people know that Afghan Star -- Daoud Sediqi -- who was the American Idol of Afghanistan is now working for VOA

Board To Death | The New Republic

Board To Death | The New Republic

Pakistan's Audience in NWFP Hears More VOA

Pasto-speaking Pakistanis are able to hear the popular Deewa Radio more effectively as of this week thanks to an arrangement that allows the broadcasts on AM radio. Already, the new transmission is getting a good reaction. People are calling the live call-in shows to report they are hearing the programs more clearly on AM 540 from Peshawar. Deewa produces 9 hours a day of high-quality programs.

Upcoming At VOA

August is generally a slow time in Washington, but we're gearing up for September. Please keep checking our website and other sites -- a Zimbabwe program, a VOA Photo Exhibit, Calendar. Stay tuned.

Kolkata Workshop on Avian/Swine Influenza

Am here in Kolkata to help organize a workshop on for journalists and others on covering avian and pandemic/swine flu. They are taking swine very seriously here. At the airport, they take a form, your temperature and your pulse before allowing you to proceed to Customs. Everyone wears masks. I was impressed with the level of concern in tracking people coming into the country. More later.

VOA on the Hill

House members were really supportive of VOA at a hearing of the Foreign Affairs' subcommittee on Europe. Rep. Robert Wexler, the chairman, said international broadcasting was a "top priority" for President Obama. He added: "It is imperative that Congress provide additional funding and resources to give U.S. international broadcasters the tools they need to ensure the free flow of information." Check out VOA Director Dan Austin's testimony
http://www.voanews.com/english/About/2009-07-23-austin-testimony.cfm