A nonprofit news organization funded entirely by the U.S. government, Radio Free Asia (RFA), has drawn criticism for auctioning off a significant amount of its equipment at drastically reduced prices amid funding uncertainties due to a government shutdown. With an annual budget of around $60 million sourced from American taxpayers, RFA announced the suspension of its operations due to financial constraints resulting from a lapse in funding.
While RFA’s website temporarily ceased operations, reports surfaced that the organization had been quietly selling major broadcasting equipment on a public auction site. Items such as high-definition cameras, teleprompters, and professional lenses were listed for prices that have sparked outrage, with some cameras available for less than a dollar and teleprompters for as little as 90 cents.
California Congressman Darrell Issa, who had been advocating for the restoration of RFA’s funding, expressed his discontent, viewing the auction as a betrayal to taxpayers. He criticized the organization for liquidating assets at such low prices, suggesting it appeared to be an act of spite. “I’ve never seen such belligerence by an organization that gets 100 percent of its money from the U.S. government,” Issa remarked.
In response to the criticism, RFA attributed the decision to the impact of previous budget cuts and the ongoing government shutdown, which they claim has forced them to make difficult financial decisions. A spokesperson stated that the organization is shedding unnecessary equipment while aiming to retain key personnel, which they believe positions RFA to continue its critical operations, especially in holding authoritarian governments accountable.
However, Kari Lake, deputy executive at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees RFA, contested those claims, asserting that RFA had received all allocated funds and found the equipment sales unacceptable. Lake emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Eighty cents for an HD camera? That’s a slap in the face to taxpayers.” She announced plans to initiate a comprehensive audit of RFA to investigate the situation further.
Looking ahead, RFA expressed hope that it could reinstate its news operations if Congress resolves the funding issues, asserting they have sufficient resources to resume operations should funding be restored. This situation continues to unfold, showcasing the intersection of government funding and media operations while raising critical questions about transparency and financial management in publicly funded organizations.