FISCAL YEAR 2017 CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET REQUEST
bbg.gov
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...... 3 Summary of Budget Request ...... 17 Summary of Positions and FTE ...... 18 Summary of Investment Proposals ...... 19 Summary of Reduction Proposals ...... 29 Federal Entity Summaries ...... 33 Voice of America (VOA) ...... 33 Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) ...... 41 International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) ...... 47 Office of Technology, Services and Innovation (TSI) ...... 55 Independent Grantee Organization Summaries ...... 63 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) ...... 63 Radio Free Asia (RFA) ...... 71 Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) ...... 77 Additional Summaries ...... 85 Broadcasting Capital Improvements (BCI) ...... 85 Performance Budget Information ...... 91 Appendix ...... 129 Attachment A: Budget Charts ...... 129 Voice of America Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 130 Office of Cuba Broadcasting Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 132 International Broadcasting Bureau Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 133 Technology, Services and Innovation Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 134 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 135 Radio Free Asia Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 136 Middle East Broadcasting Networks Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 137 Broadcasting Capital Improvements Summary of Appropriated Funds ...... 138 Funding from Outside Sources ...... 139 Attachment B: Impact Model ...... 141
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 1
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2 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
The Broadcasting Board of Governors ($ in thousands)
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 International Broadcasting Operations Enacted Enacted Request
Federal Entities Voice of America $ 214,733 $ 218,450 $ 224,412 Office of Cuba Broadcasting $ 27,130 $ 27,140 $ 27,100 International Broadcasting Bureau $ 61,404 $ 61,200 $ 63,093 Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation $ 182,487 $ 181,483 $ 182,300 Internet Freedom; Anti-Censorship $ 17,500 $ 15,000 $ 12,500 Total, Federal Entities $ 485,754 $ 488,273 $ 496,905
Non-Federal Entities Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty $ 103,850 $ 108,414 $ 121,138 Radio Free Asia $ 38,255 $ 38,500 $ 38,000 Middle East Broadcasting Networks $ 109,408 $ 109,600 $ 112,100 Total, Non-Federal Entities $ 251,513 $ 256,514 $ 271,238
Total, International Broadcasting Operations $ 737,267 $ 744,787 $ 768,143
Broadcasting Capital Improvements $ 4,800 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 Total, Broadcasting Capital Improvements $ 4,800 $ 4,800 $ 9,700
BBG Grand Total - Appropriation/Request $ 742,067 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 OCB Actuals
The Broadcasting Board of Governors perhaps best measured by the impact (BBG) is a networked global media we have with them. agency for a networked world. The five media organizations that comprise the Two crucial challenges guide U.S. BBG — the Voice of America (VOA), international media today. First, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), explosion of information flows during Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty the 21st century has given rise to (RFE/RL), Middle East Broadcasting sophisticated exploitation of media by Networks (MBN), and Radio Free Asia authoritarian regimes and non-state (RFA) — complement and reinforce one entities. While free media are crucial to another in a shared mission that is vital democratic transitions, civil society and to U.S. national interests: to inform, governance, they are also susceptible to engage and connect people around the abuse by powerful, non-democratic world in support of freedom and actors including Russia, ISIL and China. democracy. Together, the BBG media organizations communicate each week Second, the global information wave with more than 226 million people increasingly has pressed governments to across the globe. However, the millions impose greater censorship in an effort to of people we reach worldwide are manage their domestic information
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 3
spaces. The Arab Spring gave hope to react quickly to crises with surges in millions, but served notice to non- broadcasting. And, BBG provides democratic governments about what Internet anti-censorship tools to help can happen when domestic discontent audiences break through government- is amplified by powerful and pervasive imposed information firewalls and information tools. Even Western protect their on-line privacy. governments, faced with sophisticated Telling America’s story and explaining propaganda from ISIL — which uses U.S. foreign policy is a significant part of social media to coordinate and publicize the BBG’s mandate, as directed by attacks — are struggling with the proper Congress. In their roles under the BBG’s balance between information freedom mission, VOA and MBN — while and national security. As a result, global providing comprehensive regional and freedom is at a 10-year low, and the world news to their audiences — cover most significant global reversals have the United States in all its complexity so been in freedom of expression and the that audiences in countries that are rule of law (Freedom House, “Freedom struggling to nurture or sustain their in the World 2016”). Internet freedom own democratic systems might see their around the world declined for a fifth stories reflected in ours. consecutive year in 2015 as more governments censored information The networked structure of the BBG while also expanding surveillance and ensures that the BBG media cracking down on privacy tools organization can deliver high-quality (Freedom House, “Freedom on the content consistent with their distinct Net 2015”). roles in ways that are the most cost- efficient for the American taxpayer, BBG broadcasters are professional through the sharing of cross-cutting journalists committed to providing content, delivery channels, support accurate, credible, and comprehensive resources and other assets. news and information to audiences who Even as the BBG is adapting content and lack access to the truth and are delivery to suit rapidly evolving media therefore susceptible to misinformation. preferences, the agency continues to BBG journalism is thus an antidote to orient its coverage to address U.S. censorship and extremist rhetoric, as national interests and priorities around well as a model of free media that helps the world. To do so in 2017 and beyond, foster and sustain free, democratic the BBG media organizations will societies. collectively focus on five core themes. BBG broadcasters also offer life-saving information during humanitarian emergencies. When events dictate, they
4 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Executive Summary
ACCELERATE A MARKET-DRIVEN SHIFT TO DIGITAL MEDIA
In order to be a credible information Increasing RFE/RL and VOA Digital source, each of BBG’s 61 language Media for Russian Speakers services must be on popular media RFE/RL is expanding locally focused delivery systems. In a growing number Russian websites for individual regions, of places, BBG can most easily engage including areas where Russia supports with young, influential media consumers “frozen conflicts.” RFE/RL will also by moving to digital, video, mobile and expand the newly launched wire service social media networks. for Central Asia that provides news Raise Your Voice Campaigns about Russia-related topics in the MBN’s Raise Your Voice campaigns use Russian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Tajik multiple platforms — such as Google languages to more than 500 Central Hangout discussions, infographics, short Asian media outlets. The FY 2017 Budget videos, and social media — to engage Request proposes increased funding for Arabic-speaking audiences in discussion both VOA and RFE/RL to develop and debate about the fight against content for influential young consumers extremism and the underlying causes of of Russian digital media. terrorism. After establishing a new digital RFA and VOA Mobile E-books management and staffing structure and RFA will continue to leverage e-books as creating Raise Your Voice campaigns for its fastest growing digital format. Iraq and the Maghreb, in the FY 2017 Because they are easily downloaded and Request, MBN proposes to develop a shared via email or thumb drives, they similar interactive platform for Egypt. enable their audience to circumvent RFE/RL requests resources to deploy government censorship. VOA Learning parallel formats for Central Asia and the Balkans.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 5
English will also expand their use of this devices. Already reaching out to nearly a mobile-friendly format. million Cubans via email and SMS each week, Radio and TV Martí will increase VOA Hausa Mobile Web Growth their efforts to deliver news and The VOA Hausa Service will build on its information that is not otherwise success with mobile web applications to available. engage with young Hausa speakers in Nigeria and the broader Sahel region, BBG Internet Freedom Program where Boko Haram waged the world’s In 2016 and 2017, the BBG will deadliest terrorist campaign last year by strengthen its robust Internet Freedom killing nearly 6700 people. After (IF) program as a shared support service attracting more than 74 million web for projects to counter Internet visits in 2015, VOA will increase their censorship across the globe. Having coverage of this ISIL-related terror group defined a framework and governance to reach a growing audience of mobile structure, BBG will create a BBG Internet users. Freedom Office to oversee the selection and evaluation of IF projects, which are OCB Digital Media currently managed by RFA and the In order to evade Cuba’s Internet Office of Technology, Services, and censorship, OCB leverages such tools as Innovation (TSI). web-based proxy servers and encryption technology for mobile applications and
ENHANCE STRATEGIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOP EFFICIENCIES ACROSS BBG’S FIVE INTERDEPENDENT NETWORKS
BBG Senior Management join together to answer questions at an Agency-wide townhall meeting: ( from left to right) Kelu Chao, Acting Director of the Voice of America; Maria Gonzalez, Director, Office of Cuba Broadcasting; Nenad Pejic, Vice President and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; Libby Liu, President, Radio Free Asia; Brian Conniff, President, Middle East Broadcasting Networks; John F. Lansing, BBG CEO and Director
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Executive Summary
BBG’s networked structure allows its reform BBG, but the empowerment of media networks to maximize high- the CEO is too vital to wait. The agency quality coverage of increasingly urges the Congress to include the transnational challenges, and to proposed CEO empowerment language optimize costs for shared support in the FY 2017 appropriations. services. The five network leaders who Integrating BBG News Coverage comprise BBG’s International Media In 2017 VOA and RFE/RL propose to Coordinating Committee (ICC) meet bi- enhance Current Time, their jointly- monthly with the agency CEO to produced, daily half-hour Russian- nurture joint coverage opportunities and language television and digital news develop solutions to common concerns. program that is especially popular
among young viewers between 15 and
24. In another collaborative effort, VOA, MBN and OCB plan to coordinate their coverage of the 2016 Republican and Democratic conventions. And, each of RFA’s nine language services plans to produce an investigative series that can be used across BBG entities. Integrating BBG Technical Infrastructure As they integrate program content,
BBG networks will also intensify their John F. Lansing, BBG CEO and Director use of shared distribution channels and production tools, including the Pangea content management system that Empower a Chief Executive Officer RFE/RL developed to produce BBG has made positive strides by multimedia websites. In Afghanistan, onboarding a CEO of U.S. international RFE/RL and VOA will continue to share media. However, it is imperative that the broadcast frequencies, coordinate Congress include the proposed CEO coverage both in Afghanistan and empowerment language proposed in the U.S., and promote each the FY 2017 Budget request that will other’s programs. legally provide the CEO with the powers to manage the day-to-day operations of the agency. There are other efforts to
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 7
CONCENTRATE IN FIVE KEY AREAS
While BBG has a global reach, its networks best fulfill their mission and advance U.S national interests when they focus on areas where their trusted journalism is most needed to inform, engage, and connect people in support of freedom and democracy. In that light, BBG is concentrating its efforts in five key areas.
MBN’s Raise Your Voice campaign (website above) empowers BBG’s worldwide audience to speak out on topics related to the fight against violent extremism.
ISIL and Violent Extremism In addition to expanding their successful to combat ISIL and its proliferation. In Raise Your Voice campaigns, which 2017 RFE/RL proposes to expand its invite Arabic speakers to share their coverage of the growing influence of opinions via digital and broadcast media, violent extremism in Central Asia and MBN will build on the success of the the Balkans. VOA proposes to increase Delusional Paradise series and create a digital content for regional audiences follow-on documentary series to impacted by ISIL extremism, including highlight efforts of people, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and organizations, and institutions across the Afghanistan. Middle East who are working every day
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Executive Summary
Russia & the Russian Periphery During 2016 and 2017, RFE/RL and VOA enable RFE/RL to produce eight hours of will expand their jointly produced daily video for television and digital Current Time TV/digital video program distribution, and will permit VOA to as a fresh alternative to Kremlin expand programming that corrects propaganda for Russian speakers in disinformation about the U.S. On the Russia, the former Soviet space, and Russian periphery VOA will support around the world. The original 30- Ukraine’s “Year of Global Learning” by minute Current Time, a daily Russian- sharing popular Learning English language television news program programs with Ukrainians eager to produced by VOA and RFE/RL, is now on improve their English skills and engage the air in nine countries via 25 media with Western Europe. outlets, including in Central Asia. In the
FY 2017 Budget Request, RFE/RL and VOA jointly propose increased funding for Current Time. The enhancement will
RFE/RL & VOA’s Current Time
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 9
China In 2016 and 2017 RFA Mandarin intends historic and academic e-books. For their to expand weekly satellite TV weekly online forums VOA Mandarin will programming from five to seven 30- use WeChat, China’s largest social media minute original programs. VOA platform to evade censors. VOA Tibetan Mandarin will add a daily one-hour will leverage the method that they satellite TV newscast for morning successfully pioneered to crack Chinese audiences in China. In addition to restrictions and link to the VOA Tibetan expanding e-books for popular website with a QR (Quick Response) consumption, RFA will add a line of code that mobile phones can scan.
RFA & VOA are using new technologies such as e-books, social media & QR codes to evade censors and reach their audiences.
Iran In response to the rapid growth of deploy an engagement team to mine mobile media in Iran and to the nearly social networks for opportunities to 60,000 daily engagements from Iran curate user content and to fill through BBG internet anti-censorship information gaps in trending stories. tools, VOA and RFE/RL will continue to RFE/RL will reallocate resources, shift update their successful Persian- emphasis from Farda’s radio operations language media mix. VOA plans to and grow its TV production.
10 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Executive Summary
Cuba Radio and TV Martí are adjusting their streaming, as well as provide e-books, media formats as Cuban audiences expand news and programming locally gravitate to mobile phones and digital produced in Cuba, and further leverage media. Although the U.S. and Cuba social media. agreed to normalize diplomatic relations, the Cuban government continues to control all media platforms on the island. In 2016 and 2017, the Martís will expand functionality of the existing SMS-based social platform (grown from 11,300 subscribers in 2013 to 723,000 users in 2015) and provide additional apps to support offline content sharing in the island. OCB will also increase on-island radio penetration, DVD distribution, and live
CURATE, COMMISSION AND ACQUIRE CONTENT
For broader impact BBG needs to focus Expanding BBG Russian with on original reporting that provides depth Acquired and Commissioned and perspective on events, rather than Programs on daily news coverage that is readily Beginning in 2016, RFE/RL will available on other media. Becoming an coordinate with VOA to acquire and organization that actively curates, commission Russian-language content commissions, and acquires content also that will be used as part of the six-hour allows BBG to be a gathering point for a digital and satellite stream targeting new generation of compelling global Russian speakers. storytellers, documentarians and journalists that are engaging their peers Co-creating Content Globally on digital platforms. From Radio Today in Bangladesh to TV Azteca in Mexico, BBG networks will PBS Content for Ukraine, continue to work daily with media Lithuania and Estonia outlets to co-create content and report BBG plans to strengthen relationships the news. that it has built with local media Citizen Journalists organizations in Ukraine, Lithuania and As RFA expands television and mobile Estonia by working jointly with the State programs for China, they will use visuals Department to facilitate access to nearly sourced from citizen journalists in target 400 hours of high-quality U.S. public areas to complement their own media content from the Public reporting. Broadcasting System (PBS).
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MEASURE IMPACT
BBG cannot have impact without Global Audience Hits 226 Million audiences, but sheer audience size is Because BBG must attract an audience only one indicator of impact. BBG will to achieve our mission, the agency will increase research efforts to hold continue to measure weekly audience ourselves accountable, using both size. Based on recent research quantitative and qualitative data to conducted in more than 100 countries provide evidence of shifting values and and territories in the last two years, the opinions, and of moving people to 2015 Global Audience Estimate revealed action. that BBG’s total unduplicated weekly audience reached 226 million. This is a Impact Measurements 37% increase since 2010. BBG has developed an Impact Model focused on three sectors: audiences, Audience Growth Reflects media, and governments. It defines both Global Media Trends quantitative and qualitative indicators. In order to continue engaging with The indicators — which include weekly global audiences, BBG will also track audience, trustworthiness, content evolving media trends. Comparing the sharing, and increased understanding of distribution of BBG radio, television, and news events and high profile news Internet consumers over the last five pickups — permit BBG to measure years shows how successfully BBG is effectiveness for its wide range of adapting to worldwide changes in media platforms and media environments, and preferences. Between 2010 and 2015, across various timeframes. BBG will also the global radio audience held steady measure the reactions and opinions of around 100 million; the TV audience audiences over time toward U.S. foreign grew by 84%, from 77 million to policy. During 2016 and 2017, research 142 million; and Internet audiences teams from all BBG networks will increased by 255% from 9 million to collaborate to refine measures that 32 million. gauge the effectiveness of current BBG media products and indicate how new projects can have the most impact. BBG proposes to increase its research budget to measure the impact of the Russian investment, of expanding digital Raise Your Voice campaigns, and of digital media in Cuba and Latin America.
12 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Executive Summary
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 13
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
The Broadcasting Board of Governors requests a total of $777.8 million for FY 2017.
Highlights include:
n $768 million for International n $9.7 million in Broadcasting Broadcasting Operations (IBO) Capital Improvements to support to fund VOA, OCB, TSI, and IBB infrastructure maintenance and operations, as well as grant funds for improvements, for an initiative to the operations of RFE/RL, RFA, and enhance cost-effective facilities at MBN and to establish an OCB the Kuwait Transmitting Station, and grantee. This funding provides a project to counter erosion at the increased resources to expand Marathon Transmission Site. Russian video and digital programs,
to counter ISIL misinformation, and to increase research on the impact of BBG media. It also increases funds for VOA to complete its transition from purchase order vendors to staffing agency contracts.
− These IBO Funds include $12.5 million for Internet Freedom programs to support BBG’s anti- censorship activities to combat growing efforts by authoritarian governments to limit freedom of expression on the internet. These projects will benefit from the enhanced coordination provided by a newly established BBG Office of Internet Freedom.
14 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Executive Summary
PRIORITY INVESTMENTS INCLUDE: n Digital and Video for Next provides a platform and forum for Generation Influencers ($15M) discussion of issues and potential solutions at the root cause of RFE/RL and VOA will expand digital extremism, will allow MBN to and video production to engage inaugurate a Raise Your Voice with young audiences who are campaign for Egypt. RFE/RL ($1.25M) impacted by pressure from Russia, will launch similar efforts for Central or by the media campaigns of Asia and the Balkans. violent extremist groups such as ISIL. RFE/RL ($10M) will expand video and n Research Funds ($2M) new media in Russian, and launch BBG proposes a $2M research digital teams for Central Asia and investment for impact studies to other areas where Russia supports engage next-generation influencers frozen conflicts (such as Trans- who use mobile, social and digital Dniestria, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, media in areas experiencing violent and the North Caucasus). VOA extremism, to assist in developing ($3.5M) will increase digital content audience loyalty and trust for BBG’s for Russian speakers and for regional expanding Russian media, and to audiences impacted by ISIL increase the impact of digital media extremism, including Indonesia, in Cuba and Latin America. Bangladesh, Pakistan and n Expand Global Distribution Afghanistan. VOA will create digital Capability ($2M) reporting teams focused entirely on This investment will strengthen the social media, from story conception ability to reach and engage global through reporting and publication, audiences by expanding global and give the public a platform to distribution capability using satellites debate and discuss ISIL extremism. and other digital methodologies. The Office of Technology, Services, This effort supports the agency’s and Innovation ($1.5M) will facilitate ability to both curate and distribute these initiatives by upgrading content and to successfully attract systems to support new digital audiences in areas where BBG seeks platforms and HD (high- definition) to have the greatest impact. video. n Kuwait Transmitting Station, n Raise Your Voice Campaigns for Expanded Broadcast Capacity Egypt, Central Asia, and the ($4.55M) Balkans ($2.5M) MBN ($1.25M) will BCI investment funds will be used to expand the digital component of the continue the planned expansion of Raise Your Voice campaign that has the shortwave broadcast successfully engaged Iraqi infrastructure in Kuwait. Broadcasts audiences on issues that have from this location reach multiple allowed ISIL to attract young regions including Africa. Due to the fighters. The enhancement, which low cost of electrical power in
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 15
Kuwait, it is also BBG’s most cost- transmissions from other stations effective shortwave transmitting site. to Kuwait. The project will facilitate the transfer of higher-cost, mission critical
SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS: n Transmitting Station Network n BBG-wide Operating and Realignment ($5.7M) Administrative Reductions BBG will realign transmitting station ($14.3M) sites and transmissions across its Through selective reductions and worldwide network in response to closer coordination and the global migration from shortwave collaboration, BBG media networks listening to other media formats. will reduce administrative and Affected regions include the Middle overhead costs to cover other cost East, as well as Central and East Asia. increases and program priorities. Affected transmitting stations are
located in Europe and Asia
PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES INCLUDE: n Empowering the BBG CEO n Spanish Language Grantee In order to optimize BBG’s for Cuba coordinated coverage of global BBG requests authority to establish a news and information – including new Spanish language, non-Federal emerging international crises — and media organization that would to maximize the use of shared receive a BBG grant and perform the support services, the FY 2017 Budget functions of the current Office of Request proposes to legally Cuba Broadcasting. authorize day-to-day operation and
management duties to a Chief Executive Office appointed by the Board. There are other efforts to reform BBG, but the empowerment of the CEO is too vital to wait. The agency urges the Congress to include the proposed CEO empowerment language in the FY 2017 appropriations.
16 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Investment Proposals
Table 1: Summary of Budget Request (by PPA)
Broadcasting Board of Governors Summary of Appropriations FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands) Linked Component Potlucks Check Table Integrity Check Entity Tables Entity Table Integirty FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017
FY 2017 Request FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2017 compared to Program Enacted Actuals Request FY 2016 Plan Program Plan International Broadcasting Operations FY16 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Delta FY 15 Delta FY 16 Delta FY 17 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Delta FY 15 Delta FY 16 Delta FY 17 Enacted Actuals Progam Request Actuals Progam Request Plan Plan Federal Entities
Voice of America (with OCO for FY 2015 & FY 2016) $ 214,733 $ 210,379 $ 218,511 $ 224,412 $ 5,901 $ 218,450 $ 210,379 $ 218,511 $ 224,412 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 210,379 $ 218,511 $ 224,412 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Office of Cuba Broadcasting $ 27,130 $ 28,070 $ 27,606 $ 27,100 $ (506) $ 27,140 $ 28,070 $ 27,606 $ 27,100 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 28,070 $ 27,606 $ 27,100 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
International Broadcasting Bureau $ 61,404 $ 61,267 $ 60,260 $ 63,093 $ 2,833 $ 61,200 $ 61,267 $ 60,260 $ 63,093 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 61,267 $ 60,260 $ 63,093 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation $ 182,487 $ 180,611 $ 181,361 $ 182,300 $ 939 $ 181,483 $ 180,611 $ 181,361 $ 182,300 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 180,611 $ 181,361 $ 182,300 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Internet Freedom; Anti-Censorship (non-Add) $ 17,500 $ 13,198 $ 15,000 $ 12,500 $ (2,500) $ 15,000 $ 13,198 $ 15,000 $ 12,500 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 13,198 $ 15,000 $ 12,500 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Total, Federal Entities $ 485,754 $ 480,327 $ 487,738 $ 496,905 $ 9,167 $ 488,273 $ 480,327 $ 487,738 $ 496,905 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 480,327 $ 487,738 $ 496,905 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Non-Federal Entities
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (with OCO for FY 2015 & FY 2016) $ 103,850 $ 103,942 $ 108,614 $ 121,138 $ 12,524 $ 108,414 $ 103,942 $ 108,614 $ 121,138 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 103,942 $ 108,614 $ 121,138 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Radio Free Asia $ 38,255 $ 42,230 $ 38,765 $ 38,000 $ (765) $ 38,500 $ 42,230 $ 38,765 $ 38,000 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 42,230 $ 38,765 $ 38,000 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Middle East Broadcasting Networks (with OCO for FY 2015 & FY 2016) $ 109,408 $ 109,408 $ 109,670 $ 112,100 $ 2,430 $ 109,600 $ 109,408 $ 109,670 $ 112,100 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 109,408 $ 109,670 $ 112,100 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Total, Non-Federal Entities $ 251,513 $ 255,580 $ 257,049 $ 271,238 $ 14,189 $ 256,514 $ 255,580 $ 257,049 $ 271,238 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 255,580 $ 257,049 $ 271,238 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Total, International Broadcasting Operations $ 737,267 $ 735,908 $ 744,787 $ 768,143 $ 23,356 $ 744,787 $ 735,908 $ 744,787 $ 768,143 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 735,908 $ 744,787 $ 768,143 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Broadcasting Capital Improvements $ 4,800 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 4,900 $ 4,800 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Total, Broadcasting Capital Improvements $ 4,800 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 4,900 $ 4,800 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
BBG Grand Total - Appropriation/Request $ 742,067 $ 743,908 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 $ 28,256 $ 749,587 $ 743,908 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 743,908 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Summary of Resources
International Broadcasting Operations Account $ 737,267 $ 735,908 $ 744,787 $ 768,143 $ 23,356 Appropriated $ 726,567 $ 726,655 $ 734,087 $ 768,143 $ 34,056 Appropriated (Overseas Contingency Operations) $ 10,700 $ 9,253 $ 10,700 $ 0 $ (10,700)
Broadcasting Capital Improvements Account $ 4,800 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 4,900 Appropriated $ 4,800 $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700 $ 4,900
BBG GRAND TOTAL - Appropriation/Request $ 742,067 $ 743,908 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 $ 28,256
Table Linked to Potlucks (Separate WorkBook) CHECK IBO 735,908 744,787 768,143 - - -
BCI Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 17 8000 4800 9700 STATE 150 Submission Delta $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 ($K) FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Increase/ ($K) FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Actual Enacted Request Decrease Actual Enacted Request Broadcasting Board743,908 of Governors 749,587 777,843 28,256 Broadcasting Board of(0) Governors - - OCB Actuals IBO 726,655 734,087 768,143 34,056 IBO (0) - Sum $ 743,908 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 BCI 8,000 4,800 9,700 4,900 BCI - - Check $ 743,908 $ 749,587 $ 777,843 OCO 9,253 10,700 - (10,700) OCO - Delta $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Table 2: Summary of Positions and FTE (by PPA)
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Summary of Positions and FTE FY 2015 - FY 2017
FY 2015 Actuals FY 2016 Program Plan FY 2017 Request On-board Full-time Funded Full-time Funded Full-time Positions Equivalent Positions Equivalent Positions Equivalent International Broadcasting Operations
Federal Employees
Voice of America 1,087 1,089 1,244 1,182 1,244 1,231 American/Domestic Employees 1,061 1,075 1,217 1,168 1,217 1,217 Foreign Nationals DH/Personnel Service Agreements 26 14 27 14 27 14
Office of Cuba Broadcasting 130 130 130 130 130 130 American/Domestic Employees 130 130 130 130 130 130
International Broadcasting Bureau1 202 203 230 206 238 233 American/Domestic Employees 190 196 218 199 226 226 Foreign Nationals DH/Personnel Service Agreements 12 7 12 7 12 7
Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation 400 290 461 356 461 356 American/Domestic Employees 154 155 170 171 174 175 Foreign Nationals DH/Personnel Service Agreements 246 135 291 185 287 181 Subtotal, Federal Employees 1,819 1,711 2,065 1,874 2,073 1,950
Independent Grantee Organizations
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 571 732 732 American/Domestic Employees 571 732 732 Foreign Nationals DH/Personnel Service Agreements
Radio Free Asia 264 258 262 American/Domestic Employees 257 250 254 Foreign Nationals DH/Personnel Service Agreements 7 8 8
Middle East Broadcasting Networks 814 990 1,026 American/Domestic Employees 516 579 627 Foreign Nationals DH/Personnel Service Agreements 298 411 399
Subtotal, Grantee Employees 1,649 1,980 2,020 BBG TOTALS 3,468 1,711 4,045 1,874 4,093 1,950
18 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Investment Proposals
Summary of FY 2017 Investment Proposals
The BBG’s FY 2017 budget is responsive Russia and the Russian periphery, China, to world events and the dynamic nature Iran, and Cuba; of our information-rich, digitally- 4) Curate, Commission and Acquire networked world. Even as the BBG is Content; and adapting content and delivery to suit rapidly evolving media preferences, the 5) Measure Impact. agency continues to orient its coverage BBG FY 2017 investments reflect these to address U.S. national interests and priorities. They enhance BBG media in a priorities around the world. To achieve world where Russian pressure and this goal in 2017 and beyond, BBG media propaganda and ISIL’s misinformation organziations will collectively focus their intensify the role of the agency’s global resources on five core themes: media mission. These proposals also reflect a commitment to making a 1) Accelerate a Market-driven Shift to deliberate transition to the digital, video, Digital Media; mobile and social media where young 2) Enhance Strategic Cooperation and audiences increasingly get their news Develop Efficiencies across BBG’s Five and information. And, they enable BBG Interdependent Networks; to better measure our and improve our impact, especially in emerging digital 3) Concentrate in Five Critical Areas – including ISIL and violent extremism, formats.
Table 3: FY 2017 Proposed Investments (by BBG Entity)
Proposed Investments Funding ($ in millions)
Voice of America (VOA) $3.50 Digital and Video for Next Generation Influencers $3.50
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) $2.00 Increase Qualitative and Impact Research $2.00
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) $11.25 Digital and Video for Next Generation Influencers $10.00 Expand Raise Your Voice Campaign $1.25
Middle East Broadcasting Network, Inc. (MBN) $1.25 Expand Raise Your Voice Campaign $1.25
Technology, Services & Innovations (TSI) - Broadcasting Capital Improvements (BCI) $8.60 Digital and Video for Next Generation Influencers $1.50 TSI/Technology Improvements/BCI $7.10
TOTAL - PROPOSED INVESTMENTS $26.60
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 19
Broadcasting Board of Governors FY 2017 OMB Budget Request
Table 4: FY 2017 Proposed Investments (by Initiative)
FY 2017 BBG Requested Investments
FY 2017 INVESTMENT ENTITY REQUEST Digital and Video for Next Generation Influencers VOA-RFE/RL-TSI $ 15,000,000 Expand Raise Your Voice Campaign MBN-RFE/RL $ 2,500,000 Increase Qualitative and Impact Research IBB $ 2,000,000 TSI/Technology Improvements/BCI TSI $ 7,100,000
Table 5: FY 2017 Proposed Investments (by Category)
FY 2017 BBG Proposed Investment Request
CATEGORY VOA OCB RFE/RL RFA MBN IBB TSI Total Digital and Video for Next Generation Influencers ($15.00M)
Expand Digital Media Units to Central, South, and Southeast Asia; the Balkans $ 2.00 $ 4.40 $ 6.40 Taking Back Islam in Central Asia via NGI Engagement $ 1.75 $ 1.75 Expand Russian langauge programming (OTT/Sat) $ 1.50 $ 2.00 $ 3.50 Establish Digital Reporting Teams in Frozen Conflict Zones $ 0.60 $ 0.60 Build out Additional RFE/RL TV/video Infrastructure $ 1.25 $ 1.25 Next Generation Broadcast Production $ 1.50 $ 1.50 Subtotal $ 3.50 $ 10.00 $ 1.50 $ 15.00 Expand Raise Your Voice Campaign ($2.50M)
Expand RYV to Central Asia $1.25 $ 1.25 Expand RYV to Egypt $1.25 $ 1.25 Subtotal $1.25 $1.25 $ 2.50 Increase Qualitative and Impact Research with Entities ($2.00M)
Developing improved loyalty, reliability and trust amongst Russian speakers $ 0.25 $ 0.25 Engaging next gen influencers in regions experiencing violent extremism $ 1.50 $ 1.50 Engaging next gen influencers in Cuba/Latin America $ 0.25 $ 0.25 Subtotal $ 2.00 $ 2.00 TSI /Technology Investments/BCI ($7.10M)
Expand Global Distribution Capability $ 2.00 $ 2.00 Radio Marti Router & Mini-Combo Studio Consoles $ 0.20 $ 0.20 Kuwait Transmitting Continued Expansion (BCI funds) $ 4.55 $ 4.55 Marathon Transmission Site Erosion (BCI funds) $ 0.35 $ 0.35
Subtotal $ 7.10 $ 7.10 Total by Entity $ 3.50 $ 11.25 $ 1.25 $ 2.00 $ 8.60 $ 26.60
20 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Investment Proposals
The following are summaries of the proposed investments included in the request:
DIGITAL AND VIDEO FOR NEXT GENERATION INFLUENCERS (NGI) ($15.0M) The BBG has unique capabilities to address them in our coverage. To this engage global audiences on key issues end we plan to utilize our relationships that affect civil society. By proactively and assets throughout BBG regions to engaging digital audiences in areas at help inform and engage communities risk of political instability U.S. under the growing influence of Russia, international media can make major China, and non-state actors. contributions to developing strong communities that will have a positive USIM networks will leverage their influence on the future of their region. collective assets, including their commitment to credible, By 2017, social media will become an comprehensive journalism, to produce even more important source of innovative forms of original, digital distribution for news and information. storytelling. Contributions from young, Technology has leapfrogged traditional educated, politically aware, social communication infrastructures. The next influencers will amplify these voices and generation of influencers increasingly connect them with other regional depend on mobile social networks and influencers to help them engage with expect real-time engagement. BBG’s one another in critical conversations to well-established brands are uniquely bring about positive, change in their qualified to identify potential problems communities. before they become critical and to
Expand Digital Media Units to Central, South, and Southeast Asia; the Balkans (RFE/RL $4.4M, VOA $2.0M) Building on successful digital media media, using viral video and satire. techniques honed in Iraq, China and This short-form content will be Russia, the BBG proposes to expand produced in a dynamic, digital media units to target and engage contemporary style. The expanded young people in Central and Southeast RFE/RL effort will include three small Asia and the Balkans. coordinated teams of journalists: a mobile video unit to create short n RFE/RL seeks to create targeted viral videos specifically for mobile digital media teams, which will go and social platforms, a satire unit to directly to platforms where these produce or commission the audiences engage with content in production of daily satirical content Central Asian and the Balkans. They to provide social criticism and will provide an alternative to ISIL analysis on newsworthy items in the and Russian propaganda in these region, and a social media unit to regions, and fact-check extremist monitor discussions on social media lies via mobile platforms and social
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 21
and engage in real time with Afghanistan. VOA will engage and audiences. (RFE/RL $4.4M) connect with these Next Generation Influencers on the digital, mobile n VOA will expand counter-ISIL programs and engagement with and social media platforms they use in each target country, providing Next Generation Influencer (NGI) audiences in territories “at-risk” from them with a space for discussion (VOA $2.0M). ISIL and extremists, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and
Taking Back Islam in Central Asia via Next Generation Influencers (NGI) Engagement (RFE/RL $1.75M) RFE/RL proposes launching a campaign extremism and its consequences. This aimed at populations at risk of falling will include a series of four, 30-minute into the violent extremist movement in TV programs for broadcasting affiliates Central Asia by engaging NGI audiences. in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and RFE/RL will report on Islamic extremist Tajikistan, as well as town hall and panel activities, facilitate discussion, and then discussions. Using video from these in- report on these discussions in order for person engagements, RFE/RL will youth to “hear it in their own words.” produce a documentary, as well as The initiative will offer a mix of online articles and short social media-friendly and offline components oriented to videos. (RFE/RL $1.75M). stimulate youth engagement on
Expand Russian Language Programming (OTT/Sat) (VOA $1.5M, RFE/RL $2.0M) VOA and RFE/RL will increase their reach and satellite channels, including to NGI audiences by expanding their programming created for the Russian-language programming stream channel by VOA’s Eurasian services. (Internet-delivered television and Also VOA will increase its production satellite) to eight hours. The regional of “most-wanted” content Russian channel will be enhanced demanded by audiences around the through contributions from and co- world, including information about productions with BBG’s affiliate life in the U.S., its policies, partnerships in the region. businesses, education, health, and arts and culture, targeted to n VOA will expand Russian language correcting disinformation about the programming, using digital and U.S. and its motives. Content will be traditional means to engage used both on digital platforms and audiences about Russian pressure to buttress existing radio and being applied in the region. This television platforms, with three- includes expanding programming pronged Digital Media (DIGM) for the Current Time over-the-top
22 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Investment Proposals
production teams focusing on social, vernacular languages. Programming text, and visual presentation of the will include a VOA-produced weekly content (VOA $1.5M) show of curated content submitted by audiences both in the region and n RFE/RL will add new programs about in the U.S, and a series of Russian business/entrepreneurship, society, culture and history, as well as create language documentaries on Soviet dissidents acquired by VOA an in-house documentary team that will produce products in Russian, (RFE/RL $2.0M). which may be repurposed for use in
Establish Digital Reporting Teams in Frozen Conflict Zones (RFE/RL $0.6M) The BBG proposes to continue areas of frozen conflicts and conflict- expansion of RFE/RL’s successful digital ridden zones, for example, media unit (DIGIM) to engage global NGI Transdniestria, South Ossetia and Russian audiences in discussion of the Abkhazia, as well as for the North future of the region. RFE/RL will also Caucasus. (RFE/RL $0.6M) launch additional teams focused on Build out Additional RFE/RL TV/Video Infrastructure (RFE/RL $1.25M) To create the new programming was sustained with Congressional described above, RFE/RL will continue to support in FY 2016. This effort is critical implement its long-term video strategy to ensure the success of the new by building out additional TV/video programming plans described above. infrastructure in Prague. This is a multi- (RFE/RL $1.25M) year effort that began in FY 2015 and
Next Generation Broadcast Production (TSI $1.5M) This investment will improve the support video and digital production, agency’s agility for technological change replace current hardware systems at the by supporting the launch of new digital end of their life-cycles, leverage platform efforts and expansion of HD TV. processes, consolidate and reduce TSI will upgrade existing systems that physical space requirements.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 23
EXPAND RAISE YOUR VOICE CAMPAIGN ($2.5M)
Early results from MBN’s Raise Your platforms making it accessible to all Voice Campaign in Iraq indicate that Iraqis, encouraging Iraqis to seek audiences are eager to participate in constructive solutions to the problems discussions about their countries’ future. that afflict this troubled country. Raise Your Voice is designed as a multimedia platform that encourages The Raise Your Voice Campaign citizens to speak out and be a part of the programs involve user-demanded fight against extremism, as well as features that encourage engagement discuss the future of their communities. and free expression including: a mobile portal that allows users to add and see Instead of responding to daily news other’s opinions; social media polls; events, the programs under MBN’s Raise questions of the day; curated op-eds by Your Voice Campaign focus on the secular leaders, religious influencers, as underlying conditions that have allowed well as credible voices from the street; ISIL to grow. Raise Your Voice Campaign cross-programming with popular radio explores topics such as women’s rights, and television broadcast programming; free speech, sectarian tension, and the launch of streaming audio unemployment, lack of youth channels. By utilizing best practices, the opportunities, religious intolerance and other BBG entities will launch partner the building of a fair and equitable civil multimedia programs appropriate to society. It provides an opportunity for stimulating discussion about issues in the Iraqi population to voice their their regions. opinions and discuss issues relevant to their daily lives. The campaign will be available on digital, television and radio
Raise Your Voice for Central Asia and the Balkans (RFE/RL $1.25M): The threat of the ISIL is not local to the post related questions to social media, Middle East, but is also clear and evident and actively encourage youth to "raise in other broadcast regions. This is a their voice on that topic." Discussion growing problem spanning Central Asia topics will be drawn from either and the Balkans, with reports of growing breaking international or local news – numbers of militants in these regions. for example, the Paris terrorist attacks or Building on MBN’s original success, BBG a woman in Dushanbe, Tajikistan being proposes expanding the Raise Your attacked on the street for wearing Voice Campaign to target youth in the western-style dress. Raise Your Voice countries of Central Asia and the will be carefully adapted to meet the Balkans. needs in each country, incorporating multimedia (text, video, and audio) as Social media community managers in appropriate. As an example, in each country will identify a topic or Uzbekistan, many users cannot provide news event of interest for discussion, their names or faces, so audio will be the
24 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Investment Proposals
primary medium there. Drawing on the comparisons of human rights issues in idea of the mosque as a meeting place, Islam to traditional democratic values; RFE/RL will also create a digital forum for success stories of Muslim integration in dialogue on issues of Islam and the West; and interactive content such democracy. This will include weekly as photos, quizzes, and other shareable blogging by respected religious writers information. and prominent religious figures;
Raise Your Voice for Egypt (MBN $1.25M) The BBG request also expands MBN’s rather than more expensive traditional Raise Your Voice strategy to critical media platforms. Moreover, the digital audiences in Egypt. These digital environment allows for two-way platforms will provide programming communication with the target specific to the audience, their lives and audience; something not afforded by their future in the context of MBN’s traditional media but at the core of our public diplomacy mission. We have public diplomacy mission. known for years that these target audiences have an overwhelming MBN plans to target Raise Your Voice for preference for local media outlets. This Egyptian audience as new digital strong preference has consistently platforms supported by digital video hampered MBN’s Pan-Arab channels’ content. Each platform would be competitiveness and impact. designed as a surrogate media outlet specific to the target audience. The While television has been the dominant pivotal role of Egypt in the Middle East media in this region, we have not had has been demonstrated for decades. resources to create individual, country- With the restrictions on media specific television channels (beyond continuing to tighten through new laws Alhurra-Iraq) to address media and heavy handed manipulation of preferences and compete effectively. traditional media outlets, this target is Now, however, the rapidly expanding the logical next extension of MBN’s digital environment across the Middle digital media platforms. The investment East and North Africa promises to be a request is net of redirected base funding solid stage from which to launch and positions that will partially support audience-specific channels on digital, this initiative.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 25
INCREASE QUALITATIVE AND IMPACT RESEARCH (IBB $2.0M)
The credibility and relevance of U.S. evaluation” and recommended in its FY international media (USIM) for the next 2015 report for the BBG to increase its decade is based in our ability to be a research funds “toward at least 3 percent trustworthy news and information in upcoming budget requests.” The source for our audiences. The BBG has increased impact research investment moved away from understanding our request would be close to 2 percent of audience only through reach, towards the upcoming base budget. The BBG will using a sophisticated multi-platform further enhance how it measures impact audience research-based assessment by continuing to participate in “whole of model that focuses on impact. government” collaboration with other research entities. The BBG has created a strong foundation with our research-driven The increased impact research would be Impact Model that uses quantitative and directed at key audience segments in qualitative audience variables to inform the strategic spheres of influence. language services how their content Specifically, increased quantitative and “informs,” “engages,” and “connects” qualitative research would be targeted audiences in support of freedom and towards: democracy. This Impact Model is central to how the BBG develops its strategy n Impact studies that assist in today and into the future. The BBG uses developing loyalty, reliability and research to set and prioritize strategic trust for USIM content within Russia audience segments. Collaboratively, the and the former Soviet Union (FSU), BBG Global Strategy team works with supporting investments in Russian language services using the thirty-eight programming. ($0.25M) variables of the Impact Model, to create n Impact studies on engaging next annual goals that measure impacts in generation influencers on mobile, areas such as trust, engagement, reach, social and digital media in regions loyalty, value and influence with the experiencing high levels of violent audience. extremism, among others supporting the Raise Your Voice In FY 2017 the BBG proposes to expand Campaign investments. ($1.5M) the research program after several years of reductions. The United States n Impact studies on engaging next Advisory Commission on Public generation influencers on mobile, Diplomacy called the BBG “an social and digital media in Cuba and interagency leader in measurement and Latin America. ($0.25M)
26 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Investment Proposals
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND INNOVATION (TSI) & TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS ($7.1M)
Expand Global Distribution Capability ($2.0M) This investment will strengthen the channel for China/Asia region; ability to reach global audiences by: expanding WAN technologies to deliver Expanding Direct to Home (DTH) video data/content, public internet, and/or and radio channels for the Middle East cloud networks, and optimize Wi-Fi and China regions; upgrading global edge networks; and improving IP WAN/MPLS/cellular options and Wi-Fi; Acceleration which reduces time to expanding content delivery for upload and download HD video files. streaming video; adding a new satellite
Radio Martí Router and Mini Combo Studio Consoles ($0.2M) New technology 32KD Expansion Frame the performance. These updates will & Consoles will replace the current 64KD provide critical needs to our switcher. This investment will expand broadcasting capabilities and make our the 32KD Digital Router, and replace the organization more efficient. mini studio consoles which are not compatible with the 32KD, improving
BCI FUNDS
Kuwait Transmitting Continued Expansion ($4.55M) This investment is part of a network bring the station up to a full complement realignment to improve transmission of transmitters and antennas. capacity in Kuwait. Due to its strategic location with regard to SW target areas With transmission costs from Kuwait as and low cost of transmission, the BBG is much as one hundred times lower then planning to move many of its SW other IBB stations and leases, it is expected transmissions to Kuwait. that the payback period for this investment will be very short. This will The station build out began with the FY allow for the earlier closing of other 2015 network realignment funds and this stations, substantially reducing the fixed investment will continue the effort to costs across the network. Marathon Transmission Site Erosion ($0.35M) The BBG proposes an investment to Engineers. During high tide, water implement a recommended plan to stop comes up over the edge of the island, the erosion and seeping of salt water and there is great concern that the salt onto an island where the Marathon water will eventually flow further into transmitter is located. This plan is based the antenna field and start damaging the on a study with the Army Corp of copper wiring that is buried there.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 27
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28 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Reduction Proposals
Summary of Reduction Proposals
This FY 2017 budget request includes by Russian propaganda and ISIL reductions that rebalance the Agency’s misinformation. BBG proposes to make resources away from legacy markets targeted reductions aimed at lowering and platforms, and toward modern administrative and operational costs, media platforms such as FM radio, and scaling back less effective television and digital media, especially transmissions. for audiences that are heavily impacted
Table 4: FY 2017 Proposed Reductions
Proposed Reductions Funding
Voice of America (VOA) $6.10 Reduction of administrative staff and consolidation of Programming support staff $2.60 Reduction of contract labor used in Broadcast Operations $2.0 Reduce Overtime $0.8 Expense reduction in News Center $0.7
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) $0.80 Contractor Support Reductions $0.8
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) $1.00 Reduce Affiliate leases and Contractual expenses $0.46 Reduce Research Contracts $0.27 Administrative Reductions - service contracts, training & travel $0.27
Technology, Services & Innovations (TSI) $6.60 Transmitting Station Network Realignment $5.70 Reduce World Wide Procurements $0.46 Reduce daylight hours of medium wave broadcast lease for Radio Farda $0.30 Realignment of Satellite Delivery $0.14
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) $2.50 Administrative and Contractual Savings $0.85 Continue restructuring of News and Current Affairs $0.50 Azerbaijani Service - Baku Bureau Closing Savings $0.50 Reduce Radio Farda $0.25 Russian Service - Hold Vacant Positions $0.25 Kabul Bureau Cost Reduction (Afghan Service) $0.15
Radio Free Asia (RFA) $0.50 Extend vacancy lapses, limit the purchase of content, and extend life-cycle $0.50 replacements.
Middle East Broadcasting Network, Inc. (MBN) $2.50 Reduction of Funding Requirements through Offsets to Operational Costs $2.50
TOTAL- PROPOSED REDUCTIONS $20.00
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 29
The following are summaries of the proposed reductions included in the request:
VOICE OF AMERICA ($6.1M)
Reduction of administrative staff and Reduce Overtime ($0.8M) consolidation of VOA Director and VOA will reduce its overtime usage by Language Programming support revising staff schedules to capture staff. ($2.6M) efficiencies. VOA will reduce and consolidate Expense reduction in News Center administrative personnel into a ($0.7M) centralized group that will service all allotments and divisions. Training of existing staff will allow VOA to realize operational efficiencies Reduction of contract labor used in Broadcast Operations ($2.0M) VOA will use labor-saving technology to streamline its television and radio production processes.
OFFICE OF CUBA BROADCASTING ($0.80M)
Contractor Support Reductions ($0.80M) Reductions to OCB contractor support contracting workforce may be required. will be required in order to offset the By eliminating these contractors, it may increased costs of contracting due to lead to other reductions in original the transition from direct hire purchase content and program hours. order vendors to a staffing agency in FY 2017. Reductions of up to 33% of the
INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING BUREAU ($1.0M)
Reduce Affiliate Leases and Administrative Reductions - Contractual Expenses ($0.46M) Service Contracts, Training, Cuts to affiliate lease budgets will and Travel ($0.27M) directly contribute to loss of audience IBB will make administrative reductions and impact. in areas such as travel, contractor support, supplies, and training. Reduce Research Contracts ($0.27M) IBB will eliminate one National survey and two qualitative products.
30 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Summary of Reduction Proposals
TECHNOLOGY, SERVICES AND INNOVATION ($6.6M)
Transmitting Station Network Reduce Daylight Hours of Medium Realignment ($5.7M) Wave Broadcast Lease for Radio TSI will make station realignments in Farda ($0.30M) accordance with Administration Radio Farda uses a very expensive leased guidance for transmission cutbacks. transmission service with annual lease Affected regions include Middle East and cost equal to $2.4 million. Currently, Central and East Asia and affected Radio Farda broadcasts 24 hours a day/ transmitting stations include Europe 7 days a week from this transmitter, but and Asia. jamming has greatly reduced the Reduce World Wide Procurement effectiveness of this leased service. Daylight transmission is much less ($0.46M) effective than night time transmission; TSI will reduce costs for tubes and therefore, reducing daylight hours will capacitors. Cost effectiveness is have a small impact on Radio Farda’s achieved based on a plan for effectiveness and can save $0.3M streamlining transmissions and annually. amplitude modulation companding Realignment of Satellite Delivery (AMC). Power saving operations have already been completed at Thailand, ($0.14M) Sri Lanka, and Tinian. TSI will realign expensive, dedicated satellite delivery services with more flexible replacement terrestrial links and managed services (MPLS circuits) to capture savings.
RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY [$0.25M REDUCTION]
Administrative and Contractual Continue Restructuring of News and Savings ($0.85M) Current Affairs ($0.50M) RFE/RL will realize significant savings by RFE/RL will reduce costs of its News and reducing administrative costs, Current Affairs department by finding terminating some contracts, and efficiencies, streamlining operations and renegotiating or reconfiguring other cutting general operating expenditures. contracts. RFE/RL staff will assume additional responsibilities to offset the Azerbaijani Service - Baku Bureau reductions. Closing Savings ($0.50M) With the closure of RFE/RL’s Baku bureau, RFE/RL will seek to realize savings in the operation of RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani language service.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 31
Reduce Radio Farda ($0.25M) Kabul Bureau Cost Reduction RFE/RL will reduce costs in the operation (Afghan Service) ($0.15M) of Radio Farda as part of USIM’s strategic Changes in local economic conditions in shift toward growing Farda’s TV and Afghanistan have resulted in decreased digital operations. costs related to the operation of RFE/RL’s Kabul bureau. Hold Vacant Positions in Russian Service ($0.25M) As attrition occurs, RFE/RL will hold Russian Service positions vacant during FY 2017 to achieve savings.
RADIO FREE ASIA ($0.50M) Extend Vacancy Lapses, Limit Content Purchase, and Extend Life-Cycle Replacements ($0.50M) RFA will hold open at least six positions during the fiscal year.
MIDDLE EAST BROADCAST NETWORK ($2.5M) Reduction of Funding Requirements through Offsets to Operational Costs ($2.5M)
MBN will review program support year obligations no longer needed for contracts and address funding cycles their intended purpose. In a review of to reduce operational costs to achieve outstanding obligations, $1.5 million in $1 million in savings in FY 2017. MBN prior year balances is proposed to also proposes to offset FY 2017 offset MBN’s FY 2017 operational costs. operational costs through use of prior
32 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Voice of America (VOA)
Voice of America (VOA)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUESTED
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $210,379 $218,511 $224,412
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES n For FY 2017, VOA will enhance its n VOA will incorporate a $12.2M reporting on violent extremism and increase in current services expand its digital journalism attributable to an increased cost of capabilities, both of which are its contractor workforce directed in consistent with White House and FY 2014 by OIG and IRS. The three Congressional guidance. (3) year transition process replaces individual Purchase Order Vendor n VOA will launch a $3.5 million contractors with staffing agencies to investment in “Next Generation” supply contract staff, which has digital content targeting Russia and substantially increased VOA’s ISIL, split between VOA language Current Services costs. services broadcasting to the former Soviet Union and those in territories n VOA will incorporate $6.1 million in vulnerable to recruitment by ISIL. savings through reductions in vacant administrative and non-content producing positions, overtime reductions, and reductions in the use of contract labor.
VOA’s Luis Ramirez covers the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 33
OVERVIEW
VOA focuses on five key activities that tell America’s story: n Enhancing Reporting on Violent Extremism n Providing Alternatives to Counter Russian Pressure n Providing Uncensored News Content to Un-Free Countries n Supporting Democratic Transition and Development of Civil Society n Providing U.S. Perspectives and Serving as a Model of Free Expression
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Enhancing Reporting on Violent Extremism n Stepped-up staffing of areas under coverage of the U.S.-led fight against threat by VOA Kurdish and Turkish, extremism. including creation of a 24/7 n Expanded Hausa and Swahili Extremism Watch Desk producing language reporting from the center content both in the vernacular and of Boko Haram violence in Nigeria, in English, provided USIM with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. additional coverage of violent extremism. n Engaged moderate secular and religious voices to delegitimize the n Added round the clock TV violent extremist ideology of ISIL in newsbreaks for Iran to provide Central and Southern Asia, areas audiences with ongoing news known to feed fighters to ISIL.
Providing Alternatives to Counter Russian Pressure n Launched weekend edition of n Began monthly prime time TV series Current Time for the former Soviet on Ukraine’s national network on satellites. the value and role of free media. n Expanded carriage of Current Time, n Increased by 50% year-to-year web including to Russia through its traffic to VOA Russian site (30 largest video news site. million visits), and raised measured engagement to almost nine minutes n Added national network affiliations per visit. for VOA Russian on RBC, Echo Moskvy, and Dozhd for audiences inside Russia.
34 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Voice of America
Providing Uncensored News Content to Un-Free Countries n Expanded Central African broadcasts n Pioneered a successful approach to in Kirundi after government break through Chinese restrictions shutdowns of private radio and in Tibet, broadcasting a QR (Quick social media in Burundi. Response) code that, when scanned with a mobile camera phone, n Expanded Internet circumvention bypasses the Chinese government’s activities, including production and firewall and links to the VOA Tibetan distribution in eight languages of a website. guide to internet circumvention techniques. n Expanded use of WeChat, China’s largest social media platform, to n Redesigned web and mobile sites to evade censorship of VOA Mandarin, coincide with the move to Responsive Design, allowing access with weekly online live forums on American issues. to VOA content anytime, anywhere, on any device. n Increased live, breaking news broadcasts to Iran by 60%.
Supporting Democratic Transition and Development of Civil Society n Intensively covered presidential n Held country’s first-ever pre-election elections in Nigeria in both English town halls and candidate joint and Hausa, investigating of key appearances, and reached record issues such as voter fraud, and was online audiences in Hausa (6.5 widely credited with helping diffuse million page views). tensions and avoid partisan violence. n Added special programs in advance of the first free elections in Burma
Providing U.S. Perspectives and Serving as a Model of Free Expression n Featured U.S.-based diaspora n Added web-based Learning English populations, and the protections programming, including Talk2Us, they enjoy, as models in coverage. that allows English learners around the globe to speak with ESL experts n Strengthened bureau coverage in at VOA around topics based on free New York, Minneapolis, Miami, and expression and the U.S. system. the West Coast, producing news stories and innovative program forms (reality show in Persian about Iranian-Americans in Los Angeles, called Tehrangeles).
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 35
FY 2016-FY 2017 INITIATIVES
Enhancing Reporting on Violent Extremism n VOA will expand the “extremism n Increased coverage of ISIL-related watch desk” launched in FY 2015 terror groups will be launched in that translates and generates reports Nigeria and Somalia, in languages on ISIL and other violent extremist including English, French, Hausa, groups. Swahili, and Somali. n Additional television broadcasts to n Indonesian and Bangladesh Turkey and the Kurdish regions, and broadcasts also will engage religious the reformatting of Kurdish on VOA- voices to counter growth of ISIL programmed BBG-owned FM radio support in two of the world’s most stations in Northern Iraq, will expand populous Islamic countries. coverage of the fight against ISIL.
Providing Alternatives to Russian Propaganda n VOA will offer newsbreaks and new n VOA will expand programming to programs, expanding its Belarus, serving as U.S. bureau for its coproduction of programming airing national network. on the USIM Current Time satellite n VOA will also add programming network. from America targeting Russian n VOA Russian will launch a daily speakers inside Russia and in the video program offering fast response former Soviet satellites, including to Russian disinformation, targeting content on topics Russians are journalists and social media. interested in, such as technology and the life of Russian expatriates in the U.S.
Providing Uncensored News Content to Un-Free Countries n Will maintain (and possibly increase) content aimed at North Korean “surge” broadcasts to Burundi and viewers living within 50 miles of the neighboring Rwanda via VOA- border, evading censorship that programmed BBG-owned FM punishes consumption of foreign stations in Bujumbura and Kigali to media with imprisonment or death. confront the growing refugee crisis n Will expand live TV and digital affecting both countries. newsbreaks to Iran and to the n Will partner with South Korea’s former Soviet Union. largest TV network to produce
36 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Voice of America
Supporting Democratic Transition and Development of Civil Society
Will focus on fair and nonpartisan n Thailand, where voting will test the coverage of elections in: power of the military and the king; and n Hong Kong, where elections are n testing the power of the mainland United States, where coverage will explain our election process and government; strength of a system that provides n Somalia, where the election system for smooth changes of power. is being revised in preparation for its n Will launch VOA FM stations in the first elections; Democratic Republic of the Congo, n Haiti, where opponents threaten the improving market penetration and presidential run-off election; allowing for targeted coverage of n Burma, where the election process local issues. that began in FY 2015 will conclude with the election of a president;
Providing U.S. Perspectives and Serving as a Model of Free Expression
VOA will: n Launch a Turkish language online platform for self-study of the English n Cover the political process in U.S. language and of American culture. elections, focusing on immigrant Reflecting OMB and Congressional participation and that of the U.S.- guidance, VOA will play an enhanced based diaspora, using their role in the markets it serves: experiences as a model of civic discourse. n Strong focus on coverage of violent n Expand existing “words in the news” extremism in Africa. programming to explain issues in n Launch of new initiatives to expose both English and native language for and address territorial and ethnic all VOA services. propaganda, especially from Russia, n Produce an easy-to-understand in coordination with RFE/RL and guide to the U.S. elections, targeted affiliate partners. for English learners. n Increased digital content for n Produce special programming and audiences in South and Central Asia, “Learning English” curriculum for Iran, and the Middle East, especially Ukraine as part of that country’s via social media, responding to “Year of English” emphasis. terrorist inroads by ISIL and religious and secular differences plaguing the n Partner with State Department to region. teach “business English” to audiences around the world.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 37
n Engagement with and new video n Enlarged affiliate partnership in Latin content for social/digital audiences America in reaction to the rise in East Asia, especially in Burma, of local strongmen who attempt to Cambodia, China, and Vietnam. muzzle free press and stifle free expression.
FY 2017 INVESTMENTS
Next Generation Influencers (NGI) project ($3.5 million): VOA will launch a “Next Generation audiences about Russian pressure Influencers” (NGI) project to target being applied in the region. young audiences on digital platforms, n VOA will expand programming for engaging them across mobile and social the Current Time over-the-top and media with a focus on Russian pressure satellite channels, including and ISIL tactics. programming created for the channel by VOA’s Eurasian services. n Counter-ISIL tactics and narratives ($2.0 million): VOA will expand n VOA will increase its production of programs and engagement with NGI “most-wanted” content demanded audiences in territories “at-risk” from by audiences around the world, ISIL and extremists, including including information about life in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the U.S., its policies, businesses, Afghanistan. VOA will engage and education, health, and arts and connect with these Next Generation culture, targeted to correcting Influencers on the digital, mobile disinformation about the U.S. and its and social media platforms they use motives. Content will be used both in each target country, providing on digital platforms and to buttress them with a space for discussion. existing radio and television platforms, with three-pronged n Counter Russia Pressure ($1.5 Digital Media (DIGM) production million): VOA will expand Russian teams focusing on social, text, and language programming, using digital visual presentation of the content. and traditional means to engage
38 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Voice of America
OTHER NEW INITIATIVES
VOA will launch two other initiatives with existing resources: n VOA will reallocate resources to add n VOA will adopt the marketing English teaching elements in native elements of the MBN-piloted “Raise language, to make English teaching Your Voice” campaign to position content more approachable. VOA’s existing talk shows, town-hall Resources from the Learning English meetings, interactive programming branch will be detailed to ramp up as part of the campaign, positioning English teaching in four key the programming as a “virtual vernacular languages: Vietnamese, democracy” that offers audiences a Chinese, Russian, and Turkish, and chance to discuss their countries’ to expand its FY 2016 Ukrainian futures. English teaching initiative.
VOA SAVINGS n VOA will reduce administrative and n Reduction of contract labor used in non-content creating expenses ($6.1 Broadcast Operations: $2.0 million. million savings) with efficiencies VOA will use labor-saving achieved through consolidation and technology to streamline its technology: television and radio production processes. • Reduction of administrative staff and consolidation of VOA n Reduction of overtime: $0.8 million. Director and Language VOA will reduce its overtime usage Programming support staff: $2.6 by revising staff schedules.
million. In the second year of a n Expense reduction in News Center: phased process, and coinciding $0.7 million. Training of existing with the adoption of electronic staff will allow VOA to realize timekeeping and invoicing, VOA operational efficiencies. will consolidate administrative personnel into a centralized group that will service all allotments and divisions.
OTHER
VOA will devote $12.2 million in “Current requirement tasked to IBB in an OIG and Services” to address requirements to IRS examination in 2014. move contractors from individual contracts to staffing agencies, a
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 39
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40 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB)
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUESTED
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $28,070 $27,606 $27,100
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES
This FY 2017 Budget request: n Proposes that BBG establish a new n Proposes reductions to OCB Cuba specific international media contractor support to offset non-Federal organization that would increased costs of transitioning receive a BBG grant. The new purchase order vendor contractors grantee organization would perform to staffing agency in FY 2017. the functions of the current Office of Cuba Broadcasting’s (OCB) Martí. • From the date of enactment, it is estimated de-federalization will take 6 months to a year to fully implement and could be a two fiscal year effort.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 41
OVERVIEW The Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) administers Radio and Television (TV) Martí programs, and the Martínoticias.com website from its headquarters in Miami, Florida and the shortwave transmitting station in Greenville, N.C. The Martís inform and engage the people of Cuba by providing a reliable and credible source of news and information. Working with Cuban independent journalists and encouraging citizens to create user generated content in the island for OCB’s platforms has been a top priority. As free Wi-Fi service begins to expand in Cuba and with substantial numbers of Cubans now using Facebook and other social networking sites, our digital platform (martinoticias.com) and our social media presence dramatically increased during 2015.
CUBA TODAY Although the U.S. and Cuba have agreed estimated that at least 2.2 million to normalize their diplomatic relations, Cubans listen to Radio Martí every week. the island continues to be one of the This estimation is based on the results of most politically and geographically the first national survey of Cubans living isolated societies in the world, with a in Cuba conducted in decades by highly restrictive political and media Bendixen and Amandi International for environment and a lack of democratic Univision Noticias and Fusion in institutions and guarantees for human collaboration with The Washington Post. rights. Today the Cuban government Twenty percent (20%) of respondents of continues to control all media platforms the poll released in April 2015 said they on the island. had listened to Radio Martí in the 7 days prior to the interviews Despite the Cuban government’s attempts to block the Martís signal, it is
DIGITAL EXPANSION With new distribution mechanisms, such The Martís have expanded the number of as the proliferation of mobile phones and internet domain extensions for better connectivity to the internet on the Martínoticias.com to make it more difficult island, Martínoticias.com now produces for the Cuban government to block access multimedia original news stories and to the website. In combination with streams all radio and TV broadcasts — 24 Martínoticias.com, the Martís use anti- hours a day, seven days a week. The censorship tools, such as web-based Martís maintain an interactive social media proxies to reach internet users in Cuba engagement strategy that includes a YouTube Channel, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
42 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB)
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Providing High Quality Local Reporting on Topics Important to Cubans n The Martís covered the State John Kerry’s historic trip to simultaneous announcements made Havana. The Martís also provided in- by Washington and Havana on depth coverage of the second December 17, 2014, on the meeting between President Obama normalization of relations between and General Castro during the UN the two countries. General Assembly meeting in September 2015. n The Martís devoted substantial coverage to the Summit of the n Radio Martí launched “Puente,” a Americas, held in Panama in April news program dedicated to 2015, with the participation of U.S. informing the people of Cuba on the President Barack Obama and Cuban process of normalization of relations President Raul Castro in their first between the U.S. and Cuba. ever face-to-face meeting. n The Martís devoted special coverage n The Martís provided wall-to-wall and to Pope Francis’ historic pilgrimage live special coverage of the re- through Cuba and the U.S. opening of the U.S. and Cuban embassies, including Secretary of
Audience in Digital and Social Media Some recent statistics on the growth of these sources of information are: n The Martís have radically grown Facebook is the preferred social their website traffic in the last few media website for Cubans. years to reach more than 3.9 million n SMS-based social network Piramideo visits in 2014, and 6.6 million visits in has grown from 11,300 subscribers FY 2015. in 2013 to 723,000 members as of n Visits to Martínoticias.com doubled Sept. 2015. the page views from 8.8 million in FY n The Martís also reach out to nearly 2014 to 17.3 million in FY 2015. one million Cubans each week via n Martí Noticias’ Facebook reached email and SMS initiatives, providing 2,347,895 people in 2014. This is a news and information that would 230% increase from the previous otherwise not be available to them. year. OCB also saw a solid increase of 226% in Facebook engagement.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 43
Internet Freedom n The Marti's will continue to find new n In order to increase the free flow of and innovative ways to provide information among Cubans, and uncensored internet access by minimize the government's control increasing the number of over this information, the Marti's will internet hubs and building out an continue to introduce the latest expanded mesh network. technologies and anti-censorship tools available.
Utilizing Alternate Distribution Methods to Reach the Island n In order to support the free flow of programming right on their news and information to the television sets. Moreover, the island, the Marti's will continue development of a shortwave to FM the distribution of DVD's with Marti transmitter is also underway; and content. This effort is expected to once deployed, it will enable continue growing and is currently listeners to enjoy Radio Marti supported by nine copy centers, programming thru their FM 18 reception points, and 85 receivers. This will prove to be distribution points on island. extremely useful since it will allow us to take greater advantage of our n Furthermore, the Marti's have shortwave capacity out of recently developed the capacity to Greenville, N.C. further provide content to Cubans on island allowing Cubans greater access to using mobile TV transmitters. Once our radio frequency. on island, these transmitters provide Cubans instant access to Marti
44 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB)
FY 2016-FY 2017 INITIATIVES
BBG requests authority to establish a The Martís will have a fully staffed and new Spanish-language, non-Federal functioning Content Desk supporting all media organization that would receive a three platforms in order to: (a) increase BBG grant and perform the functions of live streaming offerings, (b) expand the current Office of Cuba Broadcasting. programming produced in Cuba, and (c) expand OCB’s Social Media Strategy.
Dramatic Shift to Digital and Mobile
n Expand the functionalities of the n Develop digital communities in the Martís’ Cuban social network, Latin American region to support Piramideo. the free flow of information to Cuba based on topics of common interest n Develop, test, and deploy such as: human rights, gender enhancements to email and SMS equality, LGBTI community, and distribution with opt-in options and entrepreneurship. geo-localization features.
Curate for Impact
n The Martís plan to better and more n Support the growth of user- efficiently search, obtain and curate generated-content platforms. content relevant to our audience n Expand our collaborations with from four main sources: media organizations and journalists n Inside the island OCB will continue in Latin America to not only expand to hire and train local journalists to the reach of Martí content, but to report on matters important to their have access to more local coverage, communities and increase the and to be able to share these production of original programming resources with other BBG entities. done in Cuba by Cubans for Cubans.
Collaboration with other BBG Entities
n Martí will continue to provide studio n Create more synergy among & tech support for all BBG entities. VOA LATAM and OCB to maximize resources and avoid content overlapping.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 45
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46 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUEST
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $61,267 $60,260 $63,093
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES
This FY 2017 Budget request:
n Proposes CEO empowerment interactive media for regions language that will legally provide impacted by ISIL and violent the CEO with the powers to extremism; and mobile, social and manage the day-to-day operations digital media in Cuba and Latin of the agency. America. n Proposes up to $10,000,000 to be n Proposes reductions in available until expended in order to administrative areas, including create a surge capacity to respond service contracts, training, travel, to a crisis abroad. Frequently restructuring research contracts significant events arises with little towards priority spheres of warning and BBG wants to have influence, affiliate leases, and the funding and flexibility available contract expenses to respond to it. n Proposes initiatives for increasing research for critical areas such as
Russian digital and video content;
Crisis funding allows BBG broadcasters to respond quickly to events on the ground, like the crisis in Burundi in 2015.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 47
OVERVIEW
The International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) provides support services to the federal entities of the BBG, oversight over non-Federal entity (Grantee) operations, and transmission and distribution services to all components of BBG. IBB manages the day-to-day implementation of the governing Board’s strategic vision, while enabling the BBG to deliver programs to a diverse global audience. IBB handles programming support, digital media outreach, marketing and program placement, and a robust Internet anti-censorship program that links network content to audiences in restricted media environments.
The IBB budget supports the Offices of:
n Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) n Human Resources (OHR)
n Civil Rights (OCR) n Performance Review (OPR)
n Communications and External n Policy (OP) Affairs (COM) n Research and Assessment (ORA) n Contracts (CON) n Strategy and Development (OSD) n Digital and Design Innovation n Security (SEC) (ODDI) n Workplace Support and n Director’s Office Development (OWSD) n General Counsel (OGC)
These offices are vital to BBG operations, providing many required functions including: marketing content to affiliate partners; researching impact of broadcast content; undertaking digital media initiatives; providing financial services; awarding and administering contracts; supporting personnel; conducting relations with Congress, the media, and other interests; and ensuring physical security.
48 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoting Organizational Agility and Cost-Effectiveness IBB is leading a comprehensive reform capability, encourage data analysis, and of agency acquisitions. In collaboration facilitate federal compliance. In FY 2015, with VOA and the IBB Director’s Office, BBG began shifting technical oversight the Office of Contracts issued a of the financial management system to solicitation that will create a new the Chief Information Officer (CIO) structure for acquiring contractor Office, automating staff timekeeping, personnel that will support VOA and moving to electronic payments, OCB programming. This structure updating the travel management streamlines administration of these system, and enhancing automated contracts and significantly reduces the procurement functions. IBB anticipates administrative burden for a significant increasing its electronic budget and portion of the Agency’s workforce. grants management tools, as well as enhancing data integration for human IBB is continuing to streamline and resources and finance functions. modernize business systems in order to save staff time, increase system
Targeting Key Markets on the Most Effective Platforms OSD has continued a successful “U.S. coverage and improved social media Bureau” affiliate strategy. Based on integrations to allow increased audience placing interactive reports on local engagement, especially among U.S. affiliates, this strategy has been international media’s (USIM) growing tremendously successful in markets audience of young readers, listeners, from Latin America to sub-Saharan and viewers. Africa. BBG networks are expanding this ODDI mobile also partnered with concept by partnering with affiliates in industry leading platform providers BiNu newsgathering as well as capitalizing on and AudioNow to develop new mobile other learning and exchange applications that serve audiences in opportunities. emerging markets, where feature The ODDI mobile team continued its phones dominate over smartphone award winning efforts with the release devices and access to 3G/4G wireless of new enhancements to its suite of data is limited. These new applications mobile applications for smartphones on offer a unique range of services for iOS and Android for VOA, OCB, RFE/RL, receiving critical news and information. MBN, and RFA. These applications now feature more live streaming audio and video options for breaking news
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 49
Ensuring a Reliable Source of Information During Crisis and Unrest
OSD has worked closely with VOA and Crisis, with guidance provided by the RFE/RL to provide essential news and National Security Council. information to audiences in the Russian periphery in the wake of turmoil in the ODDI contributed to crisis response region. OSD has placed joint VOA- efforts in South Sudan through its RFE/RL Russian-language programming coordinated mobile messaging with affiliates in Lithuania, Moldova, campaign that delivered short-form Ukraine, Latvia, Georgia, Tajikistan, and audio, SMS news alerts, and PSAs from Kyrgyzstan. This programming provides VOA to more than 2,500 individual audiences with a Western perspective in mobile subscribers in the region. a region dominated by the Kremlin ODDI continued its partnership with narrative. VOA’s French to Africa service to In response to the crisis in Burundi, VOA develop and grow its mobile messaging provided public service announcements services using SMS technologies and (PSA) on humanitarian and health issues WhatsApp, the leading mobile and conflict resolution for BBG’s owned- messaging application in Sub-Saharan and operated FM station in the capital of Africa. Messages are sent throughout the Bujumbura. In addition, BBG Office of day and in times of breaking news to Policy staff met with the State French-speaking audiences on the Department’s Ebola Communication continent, including Burundi, Mali, the Coordination Team to coordinate U.S. Central African Republic, and the DRC, Government messaging on the Ebola where access to critical news and information is sometimes limited.
Supporting Democracy and Countering Extremism OSD has strengthened U.S. ability to Working with TSI and VOA, OSD support a free and open press and the continued to increase distribution sustainability of key civil society factors capacity in Africa’s volatile Sahel region. by improving capacity of BBG’s media Since 2011, BBG has installed FM partners around the world. Through transmitters in Central African Republic, journalism and media business training, Mali, South Sudan, Chad, Mauritania, the BBG has created a positive brand Senegal, Burundi, Mali, and additional and relationship with hundreds of stations are under construction in Niger, journalists in countries including as well as the DRC. This year, when all Bangladesh, Ukraine, Haiti, Belarus, private radio stations in Bujumbura, Jordan, the DRC, Jamaica, and others in Burundi were silenced during election- the Balkans and East Africa. Training related unrest, VOA remained on the air topics have included political reporting, via the BBG FM transmitter, providing journalism ethics, best practices in critical news and information in the journalism, health, education, most widely-spoken language in the entrepreneurship, the environment, and country, Kirundi, as well as French and use of new technologies. Swahili.
50 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
The Office of Research and Assessment designs and commissions national research studies like this one in Uganda.
Measuring and Reporting on Performance ORA, working with Research Directors ORA supplements quantitative data with from each BBG network, designed and qualitative insights, such as through commissioned approximately sixty multi-country panels on impact and audience research studies through FY content, and focus group or in-depth 2015. These studies are a combination interview projects. A major new of BBG-sponsored national surveys, research product in planning includes a short question modules added to a combination of a national survey and an multi-sponsor survey, and qualitative audience panel. The panel—recruited in studies. Survey data is used to provide a representative fashion during the strategic audience and platform use data survey interviews—will be consulted for key markets. For example, media use multiple times a year to provide fresh data from the December 2014 National data and insights. During FY 2015, ORA Survey of Iraq informed the shift in intensified its cooperation with the platform focus of VOA Kurdish from research departments of other United radio to TV and social media. States Government agencies, most notably the Department of State, and with other international broadcasters.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 51
In FY 2015, ORA’s digital insights team broadcasts in target markets. Because worked closely with RFE/RL Digital, impact involves more than the number ODDI, and Agency broadcast networks of people BBG broadcasts reach, the to provide comprehensive analytics model includes a wide variety of tools for BBG digital teams, analysts, and quantitative and qualitative indicators. editors. ORA added mobile The impact framework is derived from application tracking to its the BBG mission statement and comprehensive enterprise analytics tool, examines impact in three categories: provided new analytics tools to increase inform, engage/connect, and be understanding of user experience, and influential. Indicators measure how BBG enhanced the existing analytics tool broadcasts impact people, local media, with new features. and institutions, and also examine their effects in the short, medium and long- In the spring of 2015, ORA, in close term. The updated Impact Model coordination with the Research contains several new indicators, in Directors from each BBG network, particular on the digital side, as social issued an updated Impact Model. This media platforms play an increasingly tool uses a variety of indicators to important role for the BBG. capture and quantify the impact of BBG
Enhancing Employee Engagement, Development, and Productivity The BBG created OWSD in FY 2015. A provides employees with opportunities major component of the office is the to enhance their current careers or Learning Group, which focuses on transition into new fields. Additionally, facilitating peer-to-peer learning events OCR provides resources to allow all and provides more online training ethnic groups equal opportunity to opportunities. support the agency’s mission, without fear of discrimination or retaliation. BBG’s Mentoring Program, which is transitioning from OCR to OWSD,
52 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB)
FY 2016 – FY 2017 INITIATIVES
The IBB supports one major initiative in The increased impact research would be the budget: directed at key audience segments in the strategic spheres of influence. In FY 2017 the BBG proposes expansion Specifically, increased quantitative and of the research program after several qualitative impact research would be years of reductions. The United States targeted towards: Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy called the BBG “an n Impact studies that assist in interagency leader in measurement and developing loyalty, reliability and evaluation” and recommended in its FY trust for USIM content within Russia 2015 report for the BBG to increase its and the former Soviet Union (FSU), research funds “toward at least 3 percent supporting the Russian investment. in upcoming budget requests.” The ($0.25M) increased impact research investment n Impact studies on engaging next request would be close to 2 percent of generation influencers on mobile, the upcoming base budget. The BBG will social and digital media in regions further enhance our impact research experiencing high levels of violent efforts by continuing to participate in extremism, supporting the Raise “whole of government” collaboration Your Voice Global Campaign with other research entities. investments. ($1.5M)
n Impact studies on engaging next generation influencers on mobile, social and digital media in Cuba and Latin America. ($0.25M)
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 53
In addition to the new FY 2017 ORA initiatives mentioned above, OSD will:
n Continue to market BBG Direct, a n Continue efforts to expand the “U.S. delivery platform that features video Bureau” and global news concepts. and audio content from all five VOA journalists in Washington and broadcast entities, and provides global hotspots act as “bureau” affiliates a streamlined and cost- reporters for international broadcast effective way to receive broadcast organizations, providing live quality BBG programming to coverage of breaking news and distribute on-air and online to local other events. audiences. n Continue to build and offer n Continue its coordinated training journalism training to support civil effort for high value affiliates around society and independent media to the world. These training sessions journalists and activists not working focus on sales, marketing, and for U.S. international media entities. broadcast management, and are In FY 2016, BBG began an effort to planned to reach target regions in train non-BBG journalists to support which BBG networks are actively freedom and promote independent trying to build audiences. The BBG press activities. BBG will continue will also continue its program to this effort in FY 2017. train international journalists on how to cover topics such as health, conservation, climate change, countering violent extremism (CVE), entrepreneurship, elections, and gender.
The Office of Strategy and Development sponsors dozens of training sessions with international journalists each year.
54 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request Technology, Services & Innovation (TSI)
Office of Technology, Services, & Innovation (TSI)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUEST
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $180,611 $181,361 $182,300
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES
This FY 2017 Budget request:
n Proposes investments to continue ensure the development and transmission network realignment to dissemination of competitive satisfy evolving media preferences in program material. key target audience areas. n Proposes reductions to transmitting n Proposes investments in enhanced station network, MW transmissions, distribution and production and worldwide procurement to capabilities, including expanded and match our network capabilities to upgraded global HD distribution and evolving media preferences and digital television production, to available resources.
Overseas staff maintain satellite equipment to keep transmitting stations on the air.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 55
OVERVIEW
IBB’s Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation (TSI) oversees and manages a broad array of technical and infrastructure functions, primarily delivering program content for all BBG networks and providing information technology support to many offices throughout the Agency. TSI will continue its support of essential Agency technical operations in FY 2017 through carefully focused investments, prudent reductions, and maintenance of ongoing efforts in a number of areas. TSI will continue the Agency’s critical delivery network realignment to ensure that programs are available to target audiences utilizing the most appropriate technologies in the most cost effective manner. TSI is moving the Agency from traditional broadcasting (e.g., shortwave in regions where the medium is no longer a popular platform) to less expensive digital delivery systems that are growing in effectiveness, (e.g., satellite, Internet streaming, mobile phone technologies, and social media), and becoming essential in program delivery to affiliate and partner stations. Program production infrastructure will be enhanced, and High Definition (HD) capabilities will be developed to the greatest extent possible in order to ensure that Agency programs are competitive in target audience markets. Efforts to block Agency programs will be answered through ever more effective anti- censorship efforts. TSI will also improve resource utilization through business process streamlining and other procedural improvements.
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Expanding and Upgrading the Agency’s Content Distribution and Production System
n TSI continues to expand BBG’s and Kisangani in Democratic broadcast reach by installing FM Republic of Congo. transmitters in strategically n TSI also supported the launch of important locations within Africa. In four localized audio streams January 2015, VOA began broadcasting on multiple FM stations broadcasting from two locations in in Africa: French to Africa, Mali, Bujumbura, Burundi, just in advance Freetown/Monrovia, and South of the massive civil unrest that broke Sudan. out in April 2015, and resulted in the destruction of many locally-owned n To further broaden the Agency’s stations. reach in Africa, TSI helped launch two automated program streams n TSI began to establish FM stations in using an advanced music software the cities of Gao and Timbuktu in scheduling system for the VOA Mali (on air August 2015 and Hausa service and the VOA South September 2015), Goma, Sudan English stream in Juba. Lubumbashi (on air January 2016),
56 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Technology, Services & Innovation (TSI)
n In a major effort to reduce provides a mechanism for tracking telecommunications costs and usage rights information in keeping create a more agile and advanced with the Smith-Mundt global delivery data network, TSI has Modernization Act. completed the first phase of the n TSI completed the migration of VOA Agency’s migration from expensive, radio production software to the dedicated transoceanic satellite and Dalet Radio Suite HD (RSHD) for all fiber circuits to more flexible and VOA radio languages. This software cost-effective Multi-Protocol Label upgrade provided the Agency with a Switching (MPLS) circuits connecting stable and more efficient major BBG distribution hubs in the environment for all radio Philippines and Germany. In FY productions. 2015, TSI added MPLS to BBG sites at RFE/RL Prague, MBN Springfield, n TSI upgraded the Dalet Plus video OCB Miami, and RFA Washington. production system and archive environments, paving the way for n TSI launched the Broadcast Logs the transition to high definition (HD) application to capture information television productions. and metadata directly from the Agency’s video and audio n To simplify the Agency’s web production systems’ rundowns, to streaming architecture, reduce costs, minimize the manual reentry of and enhance reliability, TSI migrated program and usage information, and all VOA 24/7 live and on-demand provide users with the ability to content (both audio and video) to track usage of their audio and video Prague. This was completed in July productions. The application also 2015.
Modernizing Information Technology and Communication Tools n TSI continues to migrate content to more storage capacity to enable the cloud-based SharePoint Online users to more effectively edit and platform that features robust distribute video internally and collaboration tools to increase externally. TSI also continued to efficiencies and improve workflows. upgrade security enhancements to safeguard the Agency’s network. n TSI upgraded Internet connectivity at all of VOA’s Washington, D.C. n TSI leveraged a move of about 60 news bureaus: the White House, staff members out of the Mary A. State Department, Pentagon, and Switzer Building to consolidate and Capitol Hill. modernize workspace in the Wilbur J. Cohen Building headquarters and n TSI continues to upgrade BBG’s IT network infrastructure in its provide a more modern, cost effective, and efficient work Washington headquarters providing a ten-fold increase in bandwidth and environment.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 57
Countering Internet Censorship and Jamming of Broadcast Signals n The IBB Internet Anti-Censorship (Piramideo) for mobile phone users (IAC) team countered online to include support for distribution censorship in 13 countries and over email and popular social supported 21 BBG language services. networks. This application allows The team expanded use of a mobile users to keep in touch with their application for Android devices that friends, family, and key personnel. incorporates a social news reader, n BBG has remained at the forefront of social reporter to accept user- the battle against satellite jamming, generated content, and real-time working closely with other chat functionality targeted at users international broadcasters, the in China and Iran. In addition, the Department of State, non- IAC translated application modules governmental organizations, satellite into Russian and Ukrainian in order operators, and industry groups. As to circumvent additional part of the official U.S. delegation to government sponsored censorship the World Radio Communication in that region. Conference, BBG successfully n The IAC team worked closely with lobbied for a proposal calling on vendors to identify and coordinate member states to “take the solutions to counter the wide- necessary steps” to end jamming. ranging new IP blocks put in place in n As part of its regular monitoring of Iran and China. The team, in BBG radio broadcasts, TSI tracks coordination with external sources, changes in radio jamming. As of FY was able to restore on-line access to 2015, VOA Chinese, Korean, Tibetan, a majority of the affected audience and parts of English are jammed. within two weeks. RFA Korean, Mandarin, Tibetan, n Working with the Office of Cuba Uyghur, and Vietnamese are also Broadcasting, the IAC team jammed as are Radio Martí and expanded the OCB social network Radio Farda
58 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Technology, Services & Innovation (TSI)
FY 2016-2017 INITIATIVES
TSI will continue its support of essential transmitters and procurement of the Agency operations in FY 2017 through remaining required antennas will carefully focused investments, prudent begin in FY 2017. This would reductions, and maintenance of ongoing complete the build out of the station efforts in a number of areas: network to the full transmitter capacity realignment, enhanced program allowed by the current agreement production infrastructure, High with the Government of Kuwait. Definition (HD) program production and n Global Network Migration: TSI is delivery capability, anti-censorship pursuing a Wide Area Network efforts on the Internet and other delivery (WAN) migration initiative to media, and business process upgrade the primary means of streamlining in many areas. communication at transmitting n Transition to High-Definition (HD): stations from satellites to local TSI will support investment with Internet providers and terrestrial expanded global HD distribution and circuits. Migrating administrative enhanced digital production services (telephone, satellite infrastructure. VOA’s content will monitoring, and email) has been also be available via next generation completed at 13 of the 14 (Over the Top – OTT) technology. transmitting stations and news bureaus. The migration to content n Upgrading Kuwait Transmitting Station: TSI will continue to move delivery to stations over MPLS is away from less effective legacy projected to be complete for most shortwave and medium wave IBB program feeds by the end of FY transmissions toward other 2016. technologies so as to reach larger n Satellite Delivery to China: TSI will and younger audiences on new continue to use satellite TV and mediums. Where shortwave remains radio in China, including in Tibet -- important, TSI is building a more for only a fraction of the cost of cost-effective transmission shortwave or medium wave infrastructure to support broadcast transmissions to the region – to requirements. Because of the leverage the widespread use of strategic importance and low satellite receiver dishes across the operating costs at the Kuwait country and where local cable and Transmitting Station, TSI is installing Internet access is restricted. a new shortwave antenna and a n Expanding FMs in Africa: Plans are building expansion to accommodate being developed to relocate the FM four additional transmitters. station in Accra, Ghana, to another Building construction and the site to expand coverage. A new FM installation of one additional transmission system is planned for transmitter and one additional an affiliate station in Monrovia, antenna should begin in FY 2016. Installation of the remaining
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 59
Liberia, and a new site in Mogadishu, n Internet Anti-Censorship Efforts: In Somalia. FY 2016, BBG’s Internet Anti- censorship (IAC) team plans to n Video Production and HD Upgrades: TSI will continue expanding the expand its successful FY 2015 DaletPlus video production system programs across all platforms -- for VOA in FY 2016 and FY 2017 to desktop computers, mobile devices, provide VOA with full access to and satellite. Efforts will continue in online archives, high definition (HD) FY 2017 to provide web-based content production and archiving of proxies and client software tools to all VOA television programming. circumvent foreign Internet Moving to HD enables BBG to censorship and cover more remain competitive by attracting operating platforms. In FY 2016 and and maintaining audiences and FY 2017, BBG will purchase more affiliates as they migrate to HD and bandwidth to reach larger audiences as direct-to-home satellite providers in regions where news is censored and users deploy new HD as well as to better monitor usage equipment. To accomplish this, BBG and return on investment. is upgrading components of both its n Combatting Satellite Jamming: To program production and delivery counter the ongoing threat of systems intentional interference (i.e., jamming) of its broadcasts in any n HD Satellite Distribution: To further strengthen high definition video media, BBG will remain diligent in feeds that began in FY 2014, TSI will pursuing regulatory, technical, increase leased capacity on popular political, and public communication regional satellites to add HD avenues to address the issue. television channels for three BBG n Transforming Agency Business regions. Systems: TSI is taking the lead on transforming agency business n Using the Cloud: The Agency’s digital archive system is nearing 70% process systems. In FY 2016 – FY capacity with current technology 2017, the following systems will be approaching its end-life and no upgraded, replaced, or newly built-in disaster recovery. TSI has instituted: a human capital created an archive in a private cloud management and payroll system, a with recovery capability. Storage will procurement and financial be proactively migrated from management system (Momentum), Agency headquarters directly to the an electronic performance cloud, eliminating significant management system maintenance concerns. (ePerformance), a learning management system to track training and employee development, an electronic travel system, and an electronic time and attendance system. These significant system
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
changes will transform daily n Transition to Open Space: As an operations within the organization ongoing initiative to reduce and increase efficiency of all expensive rental costs, BBG is administrative and financial support continuing to identify office space in systems. the Cohen Building to convert to open design. This conversion, n Supporting Expanded Telework: To scheduled for FY 2016 and FY 2017, enable greater workforce flexibility will enable the Agency to and enhanced telework capability, accommodate 66 new staff TSI will expand its efforts in FY 2017 members as part of its strategic to establish a Virtual Desktop focus on Africa and ISIL, and allow Interface (VDI). VDI, when combined BBG to meet its strategic goals with Microsoft’s Direct Access virtual without leasing additional office private network (VPN) technology space. and multi-factor authentication, will give remote users access to a full desktop suite of tools, including the Dalet Video and Audio clients and Microsoft Office, when they make a remote connection to the Agency’s network.
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUEST
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $103,942 $108,614 $121,138
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES
This FY 2017 Budget request: n Increases regional Russian-language n Reallocates Persian-language radio video to eight hours of programming resources in order to expand and and launching additional digital enhance digital and TV operations teams focused on hyperlocal to Iran. reporting, including areas threatened n Realizes savings in the Kabul by instability or where frozen bureau, the Azerbaijani Service, conflicts exist. and administrative areas, including n Provides a counter to the growing contract support; reducing the threat of violent extremism in number of vacant positions; RFE/RL’s broadcast area, particularly and restructuring news and in Central Asia. This includes current affairs. launching new digital media units for Central Asia and the Balkans, as well as other youth engagement initiatives.
An RFE/RL Radio Mashaal reporter interviews man in the SWAT valley in Pakistan.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 63
OVERVIEW
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Reaching more than 26 million people is a private, nonprofit, multimedia each week, RFE/RL provides what many broadcasting corporation that serves as people cannot get locally: uncensored a surrogate media source in 28 local and regional news, responsible languages and in 23 countries, including discussion, and open debate via radio, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and television, and digital media. In addition Ukraine. With headquarters in Prague, 17 to traditional radio reporting, RFE/RL is local bureaus (including Moscow, Kabul, modernizing to compete successfully in Kyiv and Islamabad), and more than the rapidly-changing media realm. Over 1,000 journalists throughout its the course of the last year, RFE/RL has broadcast region, RFE/RL’s proximity to expanded its TV and video operations, its audiences facilitates the production livestreamed political protests and other of compelling, locally-oriented newsworthy events, and broadened its programming in a cost-effective best-in-class digital journalism manner. operations to ensure that RFE/RL reporting is accessible to audiences across platforms.
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Expanded Production of Russian-Language Content RFE/RL and VOA launched Current Time, RFE/RL also launched a digital media a joint production undertaken in response team (DIGIM) to produce and partnership with public and private curate Russian-language content for broadcasters as well as Internet portals social and mobile platforms. As part of in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Latvia, this initiative, RFE/RL produces viral Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine. The Russian-language videos as well as a show presents a daily 30-minute mix of program called Footage vs. Footage, live news coverage, interviews, original which juxtaposes video reports features, and political satire and provides produced by pro-Kremlin media outlets an alternate narrative to that which is with those distributed by Western media propagated by Russian-controlled TV. In on the same events to give audiences September 2015, RFE/RL added a 30- the chance to judge for themselves the minute daily edition for Central Asia. veracity of the presentations.
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
Expanded TV and Digital Products RFE/RL has shifted its focus in many Uzbekistan, and exchanging of markets to provide enhanced digital multimedia content. Audience content via online and mobile web, members now function as citizen mobile apps, social networks and, in a journalists across the country, giving growing number of markets, local and the Service exclusive, efficient satellite TV. countrywide coverage without a single official reporter on the n RFE/RL’s Persian Service, locally ground. known as Farda, launched hourly, five-minute TV news updates for n RFE/RL has increased collaboration satellite, for Internet, and for between multimedia staff and inclusion in the VOA Persian broadcasting services in order to Service’s satellite TV stream. These provide audiences with broadcasts provide Iranian contemporary media content, such audiences with up-to-date news as interactive galleries, videos throughout the morning and early integrated into online reporting, and afternoon. This comes as a result of social media-friendly videos. an RFE/RL and VOA initiative to n PangeaGO, a native livestreaming enhance collaboration in editorial app developed by RFE/RL, is being operations. used across broadcasting services – n The Uzbek Service uses cutting- as well as across USIM networks – to edge mobile technology, including deliver breaking news directly from private mobile push-messaging the scene of events to language services, for distribution, service websites and to cover live crowdsourcing and verification of events such as protests. information from inside of
RFE/RL’s journalist Artem Liutyi shoots footage in Ukraine from the frontline.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 65
In-Depth Investigative Journalism RFE/RL is a critical source for original million people (audience 18+) have reporting on corruption and seen Schemes. socioeconomic issues not covered by n The Balkan Service was the first to the press in its target region. draw attention to a massive wave of n A correspondent with the Afghan migrants and refugees, mostly from Service was given exclusive access the Middle East and Kosovo, crossing to prisons across Afghanistan the border between Serbia and housing female convicts and their Hungary on foot in hope of reaching young children. The multimedia Germany, Italy, or Austria. RFE/RL piece conveyed the plight of these posted a number of feature stories children in prison with their documenting how the migrants mothers, who are serving sentences make their way across Europe and for crimes ranging from drug the role played in the process by smuggling to adultery. organized crime. n The Ukrainian Service's anti- n The Russian Service investigated and corruption program Schemes ran an reported on Russia's “troll factories,” investigation in February 2015 interviewing a St. Petersburg blogger looking into how Ukrainian who spent two months generating President Petro Poroshenko - one of comments on Internet forums in the country’s wealthiest men - may order to perpetuate a pro-Kremlin have used his presidential influence dialogue online. An RFE/RL to shut down investigations into a correspondent in Moscow also land deal on a historic site in the reported on the Kremlin's young Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Since it army of “cybersnitches.” launched in July 2014, almost 12
Empowered Civil Society RFE/RL promotes the free flow of achieve political goals, settle information, and supports the disputes and solve problems development of civil society by through non-violent means. providing platforms of engagement to n Throughout the month of August audiences across Europe and Central 2015, the Moldovan Service, in Asia. partnership with Association of the n Radio Mashaal launched a weekly Independent Press and UNDP program, Towards Peace, aimed at Moldova, conducted a bus tour of 20 promoting dialogue and democracy villages and towns in Moldova. as a means of conflict resolution in RFE/RL journalists conducted the tribal regions of Pakistan. The discussions with guests, local program talks to experts, tribal authorities, and listeners on the leaders and other relevant problems they face, with the goal of stakeholders to examine ways to empowering local citizens and to
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
demonstrate the difference between for free to users with both text and independent journalism and audio versions of classics selected propaganda. from Chechen poetry and prose, as well as works from contemporary n The North Caucasus Service authors. launched an online library available
FY 2016 – FY 2017 INITIATIVES
Expanding Access to Trustworthy News that Supplants Russian Misinformation
In FY 2016, RFE/RL requested funding for In FY 2017, RFE/RL proposes to expand an investment to pursue a on these efforts by: comprehensive strategy for refuting n Increasing TV/video to eight hours aggressive Russian pressure and daily, with new shows about disinformation, engaging Russian- entrepreneurship, society/culture, speaking audiences both within Russia and history; and establishing a and around the world, expanding documentary team. television/video to six hours daily and adding new digital initiatives. In addition, n Strengthening partnerships with RFE/RL launched targeted radio and affiliate stations taking Current Time online operations for specific locales in and other RFE/RL content in the the region with content focusing on Russian periphery, including co- local issues and concerns. These include reporting initiatives, training and radio programs oriented toward Russia- professional exchanges (i.e., occupied areas of Ukraine, such as secondment of affiliate production Crimea Realities, which airs twice daily and/or technical staff to Prague). on an AM frequency provided by the n Launching additional digital teams Ukrainian government and can be heard focused on hyperlocal reporting in throughout Russia-occupied Crimea, specific areas, including areas and Donbas Realities, a daily, hour-long threatened by instability or where program launching in January 2016, Russia manipulates events by carried on a newly created FM supporting frozen conflicts (such as frequency in cooperation with the in Transdniestria, South Ossetia and Ukrainian government. Abkhazia, and the North Caucasus).
Informing and Empowering Communities Threatened by Violent Extremism The threat of ISIL is clear and evident in In FY 2017, RFE/RL proposes: RFE/RL’s broadcast region. This threat is n Launching a campaign aimed at not local to the Middle East. It is a strong populations at risk of falling into the regional problem spanning Central Asia, violent extremist movement in Russia, and the Balkans. Central Asia. RFE/RL will report on Islamic extremist activities, facilitate discussion, and then report on these
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 67
discussions in order for youth to weekly blogging by respected “hear it in their own words.” RFE/RL religious writers and prominent will produce a series of four, 30- religious figures. Social community minute TV programs for managers will identify hot button broadcasting affiliates in Kyrgyzstan, discussion topics and actively Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, as well as encourage youth to "raise their a documentary based on in-person voice” on those issues. engagements, articles and short n Expanding digital media units to social media-friendly video. engage young people in Central Asia n Building on MBN’s successful Raise and the Balkans by creating targeted Your Voice campaign, RFE/RL will digital media teams that will provide take a similar approach toward an alternative to ISIL and Russian youth in the countries of Central propaganda in these regions. They Asia and the Balkans. Drawing on will fact-check extremist lies via the idea of the mosque as a meeting mobile platforms and social media place, RFE/RL will create a digital as well as use short-form video and forum for dialogue on issues of satire produced in a dynamic, Islam and democracy, including contemporary style.
Engaging Iranians about the Future of Iran In FY 2016 and 2017, RFE/RL will For FY 2017, RFE/RL proposes to: continue to enhance Persian-language n Continue five-minute newscasts and programming produced by Farda both the one-hour Breakfast with News on television and digital platforms, in with enhanced production quality order to better provide surrogate news and produce a 30-minute and information to Iranian audiences. news/current affairs program for late In FY 2016, Farda will: night to supplement current USIM offerings. n Significantly upgrade its morning program, Breakfast with News – n Produce documentary-style moving from a one hour “radio-on- programming on sensitive topics TV” show into a true TV broadcast. within Iran and purchase acquired programming in the U.S. to fill the n Create a 15-minute newscast for TV gaps in news programming, in order and the web. to create a full-service media package for interested audiences.
n Expand Farda digital media offerings, including video content for mobile.
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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)
Continued Expansion of TV/Video and Digital Production
In FY 2016, and continuing in FY 2017, n Upgrading digital technology across RFE/RL proposes building on its current RFE/RL and expanding training on TV/video strategy by leveraging video and social media for reporting. resources to ensure its continuing role In FY 2017, RFE/RL will continue work on as a full-service media organization. upgrading technology, as well as hiring In FY 2016, RFE/RL will focus on: and training staff for optimization of video operations. Additionally, RFE/RL n Building new video production centers in Kyiv, Bishkek, Dushanbe, hopes to build additional video/TV studios at RFE/RL’s Prague headquarters and other bureaus, and better connecting the RFE/RL building in in order to meet all video requirements for the language services. Prague with all bureaus to improve and leverage all forms of content via
a media asset management system.
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Radio Free Asia (RFA)
Radio Free Asia (RFA)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUESTED
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $42,230 $38,765 $38,000
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES
This FY 2017 Budget request: n Expands satellite and web-based n Proposes reductions by extending television programming which will current personnel vacancies, limiting further expand BBG content on the the purchase of content, and Weishi channel and can be extending life-cycle replacements. consumed on mobile devices.
OVERVIEW
Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a private, nonprofit, multimedia corporation that serves as a surrogate broadcaster, substituting for domestic media in Asian countries that prevent or restrict freedom of the press. RFA is funded through, and operates under, a grant agreement with the BBG. RFA broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Mandarin, Tibetan, Uyghur, and Vietnamese on shortwave (SW), medium wave (MW), satellite, television, and the Internet. RFA delivers accurate and timely local news, information, and commentary, providing a public forum for the audiences it serves. RFA is an authoritative source of East and Southeast Asian news. Each month, RFA averages over 500 pickups of its exclusive news reports in major regional outlets and global publications. This includes RFA-generated content that is re-published on well- trafficked global and regional blogs. These media pickups, particularly by large syndicates and wire services, amplify RFA’s reach into its target countries. As part of BBG’s anti-censorship efforts, RFA manages the Open Technology Fund (OTF), which supports research to better understand the types of censorship occurring around the globe and the effectiveness of the tools to combat that censorship. RFA’s efforts help expand the knowledge base for the Internet freedom community, improve the effectiveness of anti-censorship efforts and meet the needs of at-risk human rights, democracy and free speech defenders globally. OTF supports the development of software to secure communications in countries where governments engage in internet censorship, online repression and offline reprisals for online speech. These tools provide individuals with the capabilities to protect their communications from repressive regimes and offer more secure access to censored content.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 71
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS n With the help of BBG’s TSI, RFA Pyongyang. RFA Korean launched a expanded its satellite TV news series featuring these workers with programming in February 2015 to exclusive interviews from North meet the growing preference for Korean laborers working in Russia. visual media, especially among n In Spring 2015, as more Uyghurs young audience members. Building fleeing persecution in the XUAR on its success with its Burmese TV arrived in Southeast Asia, RFA’s programming, RFA added 30 minute Uyghur Service launched a daily programming for its Mandarin multimedia series that included Service, 30 minute programming, exclusive on-site interviews with three times weekly for its Tibetan members of the ethnic minority Service and is piloting a 30 minute group stranded at refugee centers in weekly TV program for its Thailand. Cantonese Service. To support these efforts, RFA reconfigured and n RFA’s Tibetan Service provided equip field offices in Phnom Penh, extensive multimedia coverage of th Hong Kong, Rangoon and Taipei for worldwide events marking the 80 TV production. birthday of the Dalai Lama. Included was coverage of the Tibetans in n In early FY2015, RFA’s China Services China who gathered at monasteries created a vivid and visceral portrayal in defiance of Beijing’s celebration of Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement ban. on-air, online, and on social media. n RFA provided expanded nationwide n In 2015 RFA reported on tens of coverage of the Myanmar national thousands of impoverished North elections in late 2015, where the Koreans who had been sent abroad Burmese people voted to work as “state-sponsored slaves,” overwhelmingly for Aung San Suu with their wages confiscated by Kyi and the opposition NLD.
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Radio Free Asia (RFA)
FY 2016-FY 2017 INITIATIVES
Continuing the advancements that were quality content and video. A made possible with FY 2015 investment dedicated team of journalists is funding, RFA will accelerate its move collaborating on the 30-minute into television to meet the growing “News Now” program, which has demand and preference for TV as a been expanded from five to seven source of news throughout its target days a week to allow time for more countries. This means putting more in-depth treatment of features on resources into developing high quality major issues. Moreover, Chinese video content, whether created or television programs will be curated, that can live on both TV and produced in portable digital formats other digital platforms. RFA will prioritize to be consumed using mobile resources, wherever possible, to expand devices on the go. They include its network of video content providers visuals sourced from citizen and the production staff in Washington journalists in target areas, as well as who can shape this content into the Service’s stringers across the engaging programs that will appeal to Asia-Pacific region. younger audiences on television as well n This will also be done in conjunction as on a variety of online media. with RFA’s Cantonese Service, which used existing resources to launch a n RFA Burmese TV, which was at the weekly satellite television program vanguard of RFA’s TV production efforts, will develop additional highlighting rights violations in target areas. The Service has formed programs to track developments in Burmese society, especially those partnerships with Hong Kong Web radio stations IBHK and Peanut, that relate to youth and the next generation of leadership in the which now carry RFA Cantonese programming. In addition, Hong country. Kong-based website New School for n RFA’s Mandarin TV programming, Democracy has entered into an which launched in FY 2015, has agreement with RFA to re-publish been revamped to provide higher- RFA Cantonese news.
RFA journalist Passang Tsering reports on the Dalai Lama from Ladakh, India.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 73
n RFA Tibetan plans to produce a extraordinary opportunities to reach series of TV documentaries featuring young, engaged audiences that offer the events and historical figures that greatest hope for change in some of the have had a major impact on Tibetan least free places on Earth. society and culture, such as the life and times of poet and writer Gedun In Tibet, mobile phone ownership is Chophel and expand its satellite TV growing and an increasing number of transmission from three to five 30- people turn to portable digital devices minute original programs per week. for news. Even in North Korea, the rise This builds on the Service’s launch, in domestic mobile phones has brought in FY 2015, of satellite television surprising growth in the use of featuring visuals sourced from Bluetooth technologies as well as citizen journalists inside Tibet, as texting. North Koreans also increasingly well as from the Service’s stringers use USBs and describe USBs and DVDs across the globe. The initial line-up as important information sources, which consists of three 30-minute presents new opportunities for segments of original content per information dissemination. week. RFA will launch year-long investigative n RFA Khmer has been producing and series within each of its nine language broadcasting a one-hour news services, during 2016, for use across magazine program on its website. regions and across BBG entities. These This news program will be available reports will focus on broad themes that for Sun TV, a new independent can be expanded across the entities as station that is scheduled to begin part of BBG’s strategic emphasis to broadcasting in 2016. This will be curate, acquire and commission content RFA’s first opportunity to broadcast shared among entities to enhance on terrestrial TV to a country where original programming with new voices RFA’s radio broadcasts already draw and perspectives. 25% of the population. The timing of this is critical as the political Based on past experience of similar opposition and civil society operate initiatives, these investigative features in an increasingly repressive can deepened the understanding our environment. audiences have of their communities, and will produce a lasting interest in As audiences move to mobile devices, uncensored information. For example, RFA continues to make its content more RFA Cantonese’s multimedia series on appealing, accessible, and available on the safety of nuclear power plants in smartphones and tablets. Understanding Guangdong, China’s most populated the mobile markets of each target province, won the Sigma Delta Chi country positions RFA to capture greater journalism award and the bronze medal viewership with compelling, salient, at the New York Festival. RFA’s Mandarin visual content. The exponential growth Service completed a radio series and an in digital technology and penetration in e-Book on cannibalism in China during most of RFA's markets offers RFA the Cultural Revolution. Working with
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Radio Free Asia (RFA)
the Laogai Research Foundation, the e- Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Book presents newly uncovered Philippines. In Myanmar, the ongoing documents on how the practice was anti-Rohingya activities in Myanmar sanctioned by the Communist Party as provide fodder for extremism. RFA part of its policy to terminate “class Burmese Service will continue reporting enemies.” on the conditions of Rohingyas in the IDP camps, the dangerous migration of RFA will provide election coverage Rohingyas fleeing to other countries, focusing on the hallmarks of free and laws targeting Muslims, the fair elections in democratic countries. disenfranchisement of Rohingya voters This coverage will include the Taiwan and the efforts of some Burmese to National Elections in January 2016, the foster understanding and reconciliation Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan and mitigate their vulnerability to exile government) in March 2016 and extremist rhetoric. the Cambodian Communal Elections in 2017, with a focus on citizen RFA is the only international broadcaster participation and government providing news programming in the transparency. Uyghur language to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The A major part of RFA's election emphasis predominantly Muslim Turkic minority will be to continue training for in- group, which has faced extreme country journalists as well as RFA repression by Beijing, is a target for journalists in all facets of multimedia radicalization. Resources permitting, RFA news production and highlighting the Uyghur will produce more web TV role of independent media to inform the programs covering special events. The public so that they can make better Service’s stringers in Central Asia hope decisions and hold elected officials to further expand the pool of accountable. interviewees to include more expert opinions and perspectives. In Southeast Asia, the rise in extremist activities has been well documented in
RFA is moving into television production to meet audience demand.
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Radio Free Asia (RFA)
Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN)
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUEST
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $109,408 $109,670 $112,100
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES
This FY 2017 Budget request: n An enhancement to further develop included in the BBG’s FY 2016 digital distribution through an Program Plan). expansion of MBN’s Raise Your n Offsets from MBN recoveries of prior Voice initiative to engage audiences year obligations and administrative in Egypt. shifts in payment cycles to reduce n Funding to continue Raise Your the request for new obligational Voice initiatives launched to counter authority. violent extremism in Iraq and engage audiences across the Maghreb (as
OVERVIEW
Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. the region’s media. MBN brands include (MBN) is a private, non-profit multi- Alhurra, Radio Sawa, and Afia Darfur. media broadcasting corporation BBG research estimates Alhurra and providing the United States with a direct Radio Sawa have an unduplicated line of communication with Arabic- weekly audience of more than 30 speaking people of the Middle East. MBN million across the region. is funded exclusively through a grant from the BBG to support U.S. public MBN produces programming at its diplomacy. MBN’s mission is to inform headquarters in Northern Virginia and and engage the people of the Middle production outlets in Washington, D.C., East and provide objective, accurate, and Iraq, UAE, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, and relevant news and information about Morocco. Satellite and terrestrial the United States, the region, and the television broadcasts and medium wave world. MBN works to counter violent (AM) and FM radio broadcasts are extremism across the Middle East transmitted via the IBB’s global through its multi-media programming, transmission network. MBN engages and supports democratic values by with audiences across digital platforms, expanding the spectrum of ideas, including its Alhurra and Radio Sawa opinions, and perspectives available in websites, Radio Sawa and Alhurra apps, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 77
MBN PROGRAMMING
Alhurra Alhurra’s Pan-Arab news and and the people of the United States. Its information channel was launched in news and information programming February 2004 to provide a reliable provides a platform for engagement source of objective television news and with the audience on social, cultural, information across the Middle East. and political issues as well as a forum for Alhurra-Iraq was launched in April 2004 objective discussion and the to provide targeted local news and introduction of viewpoints not routinely programming to the people of Iraq. found on local media. Alhurra is unique within the Middle East satellite television market in its ability to Alhurra is distributed on satellite as well provide audiences the American as via terrestrial transmitters throughout perspective, giving context to the Iraq. Alhurra is streamed on its news and Administration’s policies as well as information website, Alhurra.com, and insight from diverse voices throughout content is distributed through digital the broad U.S. public policy community platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and mobile apps.
Radio Sawa Radio Sawa was launched in 2002 and Radio Sawa can be heard throughout now broadcasts 24/7 on eight the Middle East through FM and medium programming streams targeted to the wave (AM) transmissions on eight sub-regions of the Middle East. Radio streams including: Iraq (FM and AM); Sawa’s pioneering format is designed to Levant (including Jordan and the West attract listeners from the Bank) (FM); the Gulf (FM and AM); Egypt overwhelmingly young Middle Eastern (AM); Morocco (FM); Sudan, Libya, population. Research consistently Djibouti and Yemen (FM and AM); demonstrates the effectiveness of Radio Lebanon and Syria (FM); and Mauritania Sawa in reaching listeners and (FM) commanding their attention to Radio Sawa’s news and information Radio Sawa is also streamed on its news programming. and information website radiosawa.com and through dedicated audio streaming Android and iPhone/iPad apps.
Afia Darfur MBN launched the Afia Darfur program officials, and citizens, as well as NGO in 2008—initially through funding from representatives. Afia Darfur is broadcast the Department of State. The all-news into Darfur via shortwave each evening and information radio program features at 9:00 p.m. local time and targets all interviews with American officials, people in Darfur and eastern Chad, and human rights experts, Sudanese it is heard in Khartoum. professionals, activists, government
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Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN)
FY 2015/ FY 2016 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS:
Establishing New Platforms to Counter Violent Extremism n To establish an alternative to the ISIL their ideas on topics such as narrative, MBN launched the Raise sectarian relationships, religious Your Voice–Iraq multimedia freedom, and freedom of expression. campaign last September and plans New Alhurra programming provides to launch a new Raise Your Voice powerful personal testimonies that digital platform targeted to critical reveal the realities of life in ISIL audiences across the Maghreb territory and the pain and suffering region next spring. The new venues ISIL inflicts on families and provide a platform and forum for communities. discussion of issues at the root n Similar to the digital effort targeted cause of extremism and a forum for to Iraq, MBN plans to launch a Raise stimulating discussions around Your Voice-Maghreb platform in FY related solutions. 2016 to create content to engage n Raise Your Voice-Iraq encourages audiences across the Maghreb Iraqi citizens to speak out and region, including programming to address extremism and the counter ISIL narrative, counter underlying causes of terrorism. By extremism, and address local and identifying and discussing the issues regional issues. The digital platform ISIL is exploiting, Iraqis can propose will be supported by programming solutions that will ultimately from bureau in Rabat and Tunisia undermine ISIL’s narrative. The bureau, existing correspondents, and social media properties, call-in radio expanded stringers. Launch of this and television shows, and television initiative was included in BBG’s FY programming provide forums for 2016 Program Plan. activists, youth and others to share
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Proving a Trustworthy News Source
n American success in combatting streets of Sana’a as Houthi rebels violent extremism starts with closed in on the presidential palace; ensuring USIM’s target audiences Israeli Parliamentary election with have truthful, objective accounts of live coverage as voters went to the events. Coverage highlights of polls to elect the party that will lead critical events that countered biased their country. When Alhurra and accounts with ground truth include: Radio Sawa cover the news, it comprehensive coverage of: the further demonstrates its credibility brutal murder of 26-year-old to the audience distinguishing itself Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath Al- from other local media outlets with Kaseasbeh; the execution of 21 religious and local political bias. Egyptian Copts by ISIL and Egypt’s
Alhurra reports extensively on the U.S. Congress and administration. Directly Communicating America’s Policies and Actions
n Alhurra and Radio Sawa continue to o Extensive coverage of Iraqi offer an unfiltered communication Prime Minister Haider Al- link to the people of the Middle East Abadi and his delegation’s visit and North Africa. The networks can to Washington, D.C. Alhurra provide US policymakers direct was the only Pan-Arab access to the audience and ensure network to broadcast there is clear understanding of President Obama and Prime policies and intentions. Over the Minister Abadi’s comments in past year, coverage has included: the Oval Office in their entirety with simultaneous translation.
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Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN)
o Live coverage of President o Coverage of Israeli Prime Obama’s remarks requesting Minister Netanyahu’s speech to authorization of force against the U.S. Congress including ISIL with comments from the interviews with Sen. Bob House Speaker and Senate Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Dianne Majority Leader; Feinstein (D-CA), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Rep. Peter King (R-NY);
Expanding Radio Sawa’s Iraq Stream Radio Sawa’s Iraq stream has been expanded with the consolidation of all BBG-funded Arabic language radio broadcasts in Radio Sawa. Preserving the best of Radio Free Iraq’s former programming, Radio Sawa has added a live morning show and other feature programming to its broad array of current affairs segments focusing on rule of law, democratic political debate, and citizen concerns.
Developing Programming for Multiple Media Distribution n Programming resources will be redeployed to launch Bmit Regal in FY 2016, a show that showcases Egyptian women entrepreneurs. Produced in the field, the show will document the individual journeys of five strong women who are pursuing their dreams, impacting their communities, and paving the way for women in Egypt. n Hiwar Cairo’s format will be refreshed in FY 2016, revamping the show’s approach to addressing current political issues in Egypt with objectivity and ensuring consideration from a variety of perspectives. n Also in FY 2016, MBN plans to launch a new weekly show exploring cultural and social issues affecting both Egyptians and Americans. Field pieces from Egypt and America will present a range of perspectives on topics — such as religious freedom, educational opportunities, and immigration, perceptions perpetuated by Hollywood — to facilitate discussion and serve to further mutual understanding. All programming will be developed to ensure content distribution on both television and digital platforms.
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FY 2017 INITIATIVES
The FY 2017 budget request supports Maghreb platform, and provides sustaining the Raise Your Voice-Iraq resources to support the continuity and multimedia campaign, provides full-year evolution of MBN’s digital and television funding for the Raise Your Voice- platforms.
Developing Digital Distribution Access to digital media continues to Your Voice initiatives, MBN further explode across the Middle East. Internet established a new digital management usage is robust in the Persian Gulf and and staffing structure to reflect evolving increasing in other MBN broadcast requirements and strategy. areas. The percentage of Iraqis who have access to the Internet continues to Within the expanded department, digital expand. In recent years the percentage content is coordinated across all has increased from 16% to 35% of Iraqis platforms, including social media currently having access to the Internet. platforms. MBN has developed In Iraq, Egypt, and Morocco—the source guidelines for all engaging in social of almost two-thirds of MBN’s audience media. MBN has established social in the region—past week Internet usage media managers embedded in each increased from an average of 21% of department to enlarge and curate MBN’s adults in 2012 to 32% in 2013/14. The presence on social media to engage use of digital media is not waning in the new audiences. New positions now exist Gulf states -- an average of 75% of Arab to support a critical digital quality adults in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, control function and to continually Kuwait and Bahrain use the internet inform the digital strategy in the context weekly and 66% use it weekly for news, of the target region’s users, ensuring according to BBG surveys. consistent development of new tools appropriate to MBN’s target audience. Over the past three years, MBN has judiciously reallocated available In FY 2017, MBN plans to further evolve resources to improve its digital presence its digital presence by expanding its and establish a new digital department. mobile platforms. MBN will work closely In taking significant steps to expand with others in the BBG community to across social media platforms, there build platforms and programming to have been many lessons learned along coincide with the media usage trends in the way. With the addition of the Raise the region.
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Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN)
PROGRAMMING CHANGES IN FY 2017
Developing Digital Distribution/Expanding Raise Your Voice Platforms ($1.25 million) n BBG requests $1.25 million to channels on digital, rather than expand MBN’s Raise Your Voice more expensive traditional media strategy to critical audiences in platforms. Moreover, the digital Egypt. These digital platforms will environment allows for two-way provide programming specific to the communication with the target audience, their lives and their future audience; something not afforded in the context of MBN’s public by traditional media but at the core diplomacy mission. We have known of our public diplomacy mission. for years that these target audiences n Raise Your Voice – Egypt is have an overwhelming preference proposed as new digital platforms for local media outlets. This strong supported by digital video content. preference has consistently Each platform would be designed as hampered MBN’s Pan-Arab a surrogate media outlet specific to channels’ competitiveness and the target audience. The pivotal role impact. of Egypt in the Middle East has been n While television has been the demonstrated for decades. With the dominant media in this region, we restrictions on media continuing to have not had resources to create tighten through new laws and heavy individual, country-specific handed manipulation of traditional television channels (beyond Alhurra- media outlets, this target is the Iraq) to address media preferences logical next extension of MBN’s and compete effectively. Now, digital media platforms. The however, the rapidly expanding investment request is net of digital environment across the redirected base funding and Middle East and North Africa positions that will partially support promises to be a solid stage from this initiative. which to launch audience-specific
Reduction of Funding Requirements through Offsets to Operational Costs ($2.5 million) MBN will review program support obligations no longer needed for their contracts and address funding cycles to intended purpose. In a review of reduce operational costs to achieve $1 outstanding obligations, $1.5 million in million in savings in FY 2017. MBN also prior year balances is proposed to offset proposes to offset FY 2017 operational MBN’s FY 2017 operational costs. costs through use of prior year
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Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN)
Broadcasting Capital Improvements
2015 2016 2017 ACTUAL PROGRAM PLAN REQUESTED
FUNDING ($ in thousands) $8,000 $4,800 $9,700
NOTABLE FY 2017 PROGRAM CHANGES n Proposes investments in BCI to evolving audience media continue shortwave realignment in preferences. Kuwait in order to use available funding most effectively to satisfy
OVERVIEW Broadcasting Capital Improvements capital projects managed by VOA, the
(BCI) provides funding for large-scale Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), and capital projects and for improvements the IBB Office of Security. These BBG and maintenance of BBG’s global offices will continue support of essential transmission network and digital Agency technical operations in FY 2017 multimedia infrastructure. The Office of through carefully focused investments
Technology, Services, and Innovation and maintenance of ongoing efforts in a (TSI) manages many of the BCI projects number of critical areas. BCI funds for International Broadcasting Bureau support the capital and equipment (IBB). The BCI account also supports aspects of these critical Agency efforts.
FY 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
TSI Launched several essential network systems at the BBG transmitting wide maintenance and repair (M&R) facilities. initiatives to identify infrastructure n A site condition survey was restarted related problems in the Agency’s global to identify site and facility related network and address them in a timely issues that must be addressed at fashion. Among the initiatives were: each transmitting site. n A system wide electrical n Preventive maintenance work was maintenance contract was awarded funded for the antenna structures in in 2015 that will maintain safe and Botswana, Djibouti, and Germany. reliable operations of the electrical
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n Antenna guy wire replacement was filtration system for the funded for the Commonwealth of administration and transmitter the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) building in Botswana was designed stations. and procured in FY 2015, with installation anticipated in FY 2016. n A consultant was hired to investigate the extensive corrosion damage to n TSI completed the upgrade of the antenna structures in Sri Lanka. telephone systems at eight of BBG’s transmitting stations. New Internet n Shortwave transmitters were Protocol (IP) based PBX systems refurbished in Greenville. provide BBG with capabilities to n Generator overhaul and other integrate the Agency’s global facilities repairs were funded in Sao telephone system. Tome. A major refurbishment of the Agency’s n Heating, ventilation, and air- Network Control Center in Washington conditioning (HVAC) refurbishment began in 2013 under GSA management. was performed in Thailand. A new power distribution system was n To address air contaminants from a energized and transition into the new nearby copper smelting plant, an air console area began in late summer of FY 2015.
VOA Continuing its essential HD television initiative, VOA began the conversion of one of its primary television studios (Studio 51) to full HD capability.
OCB Improved several areas within the Miami Radio/TV Master Control Rooms and broadcast facility and the Marathon the Server Room. medium wave transmitter site. n As part of a Radio Master Control upgrade, OCB purchased power n Daily production was improved by distribution units that allow for the purchase of sound proofing monitoring electrical current and equipment for every edit suite and making sure the equipment is the purchase of extra camera cards getting the proper power. that allow for redundancy and extra n At the Marathon transmission site, storage when shooting out in the OCB completed roof repair on all the field. tuning huts and the main building n Implementing an OIG and repaired tower anchors that had recommendation, OCB purchased a been damaged by a lightning strike. fire suppressant that will not harm OCB also purchased equipment that electronic equipment in the will keep all antenna lines dry.
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Broadcasting Capital Improvments (BCI)
IBB (Office of Security) n Procured a Light Armored Vehicle n Installed physical security (LAV) for the Botswana transmitting enhancements at the Tinang, station, Saipan, and Tinian BBG transmitting stations, and n Coordinated security considerations for the selection of three new Africa n Relocated physical security systems Investment news offices/reporting for four IBB offices, which included centers, adding access control, closed circuit television, passive infrared alarms, n Designed and installed threat cipher locks, and classified security mitigation functions in order to provide life-safety measures to VOA systems. personnel,
FY 2016-FY 2017 INITIATIVES
BCI investment funds will be used to power in Kuwait, the Kuwait continue the planned reconfiguration Transmitting Station is the least and expansion of the shortwave expensive IBB station to operate. This broadcast infrastructure at the Kuwait project will allow the Agency to shift Transmitting Station. This will allow mission-critical but higher cost BBG to enhance transmission to multiple transmissions from other stations in the regions, including Africa, and achieve IBB network to Kuwait. cost savings for shortwave broadcasts. Because of the very low cost of electrical
TSI Will use BCI funding for: n Maintenance and repair of and replacement, power plant deteriorating antenna structures in maintenance, generator corrosive environments, including maintenance, building facilities and addressing antenna maintenance antenna structures painting, and concerns in Greenville, Germany, roads and grounds maintenance. Kuwait, and Sri Lanka. n Network wide electrical equipment n Refurbishing the Agency’s inspection, circuit breaker transmission infrastructure at key maintenance, and relay calibration locations, including routine building to ensure a safe and reliable maintenance, roofing repairs and broadcast system. replacement, water line and septic n Facilities condition surveys for the systems maintenance, heating and Agency’s most critical sites. cooling equipment maintenance
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n Consolidating management of the Network Control Center, the transmitting stations’ local Agency’s central programming telecommunications systems and distribution hub. harmonizing maintenance contracts. n Replacement of outdated and n Completion in FY 2016 of the inefficient lighting fixtures and refurbishment of the complex equipment.
VOA Will use BCI funding for: n Continuing the high definition the Agency’s ability to secure and television (HDTV) migration project, maintain affiliates and to attract a multi-year effort to convert all audiences. As part of this VOA television production to HD, investment, VOA also will upgrade which is increasingly the quality television studios and production standard demanded by viewers equipment to ensure HD around the world. Failure by BBG to compatibility. adopt HD technology will hamper
OCB Will use BCI funding for: n Transitioning in-house TV system allowing for greater flexibility operations/production to HD. Over and easier maintenance. the next two years, OCB is working n Commissioning a study and proceed towards becoming a full HD facility. toward construction of an earthen This will also enhance Internet video levee at the Marathon transmission and live streaming and provide the facility to stop salt water from ability to reach other Latin American infiltrating into the antenna field. countries that already have HDTV signals as a standard. n Replacing the current end-of-life phone system with a new VoIP
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Broadcasting Capital Improvments (BCI)
IBB (Office of Security)
Will use BCI funding for:
Continuing security assessments and n Installation of a fence protection projects that are vital to the protection system (FPS), of life and safety of BBG personnel at n Upgrade/replacement of Selectone headquarters in Washington, D.C., VOA (imminent danger notification overseas news bureaus, and TSI system) and anti-ram barriers, and overseas transmitting stations. Projects will include: n Maintenance and repair of security systems and emergency radio systems and expansion of access control/alarm systems.
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Broadcasting Capital Improvments (BCI)
Performance Budget Information
INTRODUCTION
This Performance Budget includes a requirements of the Government summary of the Broadcasting Board of Performance and Results Modernization Governors strategic plan, a summary of Act of 2010 for an annual performance the status of the Agency’s performance, plan. BBG’s annual Performance and and descriptions of the Agency’s Accountability Report (PAR) provides performance indicators. This integrated detailed performance information and budget and performance section can be found on the Agency website, connects the BBG strategic goals, bbg.gov. strategic and management objectives and performance goals, and it fulfills
SUMMARY OF THE 2014-2018 BBG STRATEGIC PLAN
BBG’s 2014-2018 strategic plan This mission is achieved through two continues an ambitious roadmap to strategic goals: refine and expand the reach and impact n Expand freedom of information and of U.S. international media in support of expression American strategic interests. The plan informs the FY 2017 budget request and n Communicate America’s democratic continues the integration of experience performance, budget planning and These goals further BBG’s mission of management of BBG. supporting freedom and democracy. The purpose of communicating The mission of the Broadcasting Board America’s democratic experience is not of Governors is to inform, engage and merely public diplomacy. By presenting connect people around the world in a case study in the American experience, support of freedom and democracy. BBG also seeks to help other countries navigate their governance challenges.
CURRENT CONTEXT OF BBG
The key environmental factors facing Free expression, religious liberty, human BBG are: national security challenges, rights, and similar values important to rising media competition and the the United States are under assault multitude of modern communications across the globe. Resurgent technologies. authoritarianism and spreading extremism imperil U.S. interests. Europe is witnessing a return to Cold War
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tensions of state authority versus have changed. The technology driving popular will. The Arab world labors to transmitting and receiving broadcast achieve even modest pluralism and signals is constantly improving and regain the democratic spirit of the Arab changing. BBG has kept up with these Spring. Syria is in chaos; Iraq might not developments, which offer extraordinary be far behind. North Africa and the opportunities for unfiltered, direct Sahel face rising extremism, from al- dialogue with audiences around the Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to world. BBG transmits programs through ISIL West Africa Province (WAP), radio (shortwave, medium wave, FM and formerly known as Boko Haram, now satellite), terrestrial and satellite rivaling in ferocity the Taliban in South television, the Internet (websites with Asia. streaming audio and video as well as social media, such as Twitter, Facebook The struggles unfolding have significant and YouTube), and numerous mobile information or propaganda technologies, including SMS, apps and components. A war for influence is mobile Web. playing out on the stage of public opinion. Non-democratic forces run To serve audiences in less developed increasingly sophisticated information areas of the world, BBG must continue campaigns. to broadcast via traditional technologies such as shortwave and maintain Consumers of news and information capability on these platforms by have an unprecedented array of options replacing antiquated equipment. But to from which to choose. For example, stay relevant in competitive news citizen journalism provides broadcasters markets and serve current and future with opportunities to collect and audiences, BBG must invest in new disseminate information, while cutting-edge technology. In areas interacting with audiences. In many where ownership and usage of regions, BBG broadcasts face growing shortwave radio has declined competition from local news sources significantly, the Agency has evolved and international broadcasters. While away from broadcasting in shortwave. this information explosion seems to BBG has closed transmission stations, point to more openness and freedom, repurposed equipment and invested the trend in recent years has been these savings in platforms that the toward less press freedom and growing audience has shifted to, primarily in Internet censorship in key markets. digital media technology and other Freedom House and Reporters Without high-priority programming. Borders warn of declines in world freedom and press freedom. BBG relies on extensive market research to identify audience preferences and the When U.S. international media began in most appropriate programming mix and 1942, programs were broadcast via delivery options for specific audiences. shortwave. Since then, the number of In addition to research about the transmission options has grown, and effectiveness of programming, BBG listener preferences and media access commissions research on the overall
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Performance Budget Information
media markets in its broadcast countries basis for proposing to enhance existing to better understand how these markets language services, start new ones or, in are developing and the capabilities that some instances end broadcasts. each Agency network needs to remain competitive. As new technologies BBG’s Strategic Plan gives highest emerge, market research enables BBG to priority to setting the program mix and be forward-thinking and strategically delivery platforms to meet market positioned to fulfill its mission. BBG demand. This is critical to ensure that undertakes a comprehensive BBG achieves its legislative mandate to assessment of the languages in which reach as many people as possible with Agency networks broadcast during its news and information that gains their annual Language Service Review. This trust and makes a difference in their review examines qualitative and lives by communicating standards for quantitative research on the human rights, civil society, religious performance of programming, audience tolerance and transparency of reach and impact as well as media usage government via the most effective and ownership. The review forms the delivery systems.
IMPACT MODEL
In recognition that impact is about more employs a mix of quantitative and than only audience reach, BBG’s qualitative measures. previous strategic plan set the goal of developing a multi-factor model to This Impact Model informs the strategic define impact. In 2014, BBG began plan and performance goals that support implementing the model. It ties to BBG’s BBG’s strategic objectives. During the mission statement and examines past two years, the model has formed effectiveness in the areas of informing, the basis of BBG’s strategic review engaging and connecting audiences, process in which the Agency sets clear and being influential. These effects are goals and targets for performance considered in the short, medium and indicators that define success in each long term in various sectors – people, target country and region. local media and institutions. The model
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STRATEGIC AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE GOALS
BBG’s two strategic goals are supported by six strategic objectives and three management objectives, each of which has supporting performance goals. These objectives and goals map out Agency priorities for the next two years.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1: PRODUCE JOURNALISM OF EXCEPTIONAL VALUE THAT RESPONDS TO THE MISSION, MEETS AUDIENCE INTERESTS, AND EXPANDS ALTERNATIVES IN THE MARKETPLACE
Journalism is the daily work of the BBG lives and, at the same time, must add broadcasters, and producing fact-based, value in expanding the range of media verifiable news and information must be alternatives. BBG’s aim is not just to preeminent in Agency strategy. To have follow the 24-hour news cycle but to impact, BBG journalism must reach drive the news agenda through original audiences, meet their interests along the reporting, in-depth analysis, and a breadth of subjects that matter to their unique cross-cultural perspective that
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Performance Budget Information
helps the audiences become the target area, e.g., human rights sophisticated consumers of news and and good governance. media. n Offer non-news content that research, web analytics, and n Congressionally mandated, BBG is audience and affiliate feedback required to provide news and other show are of vital interest to programming that is accurate, audiences, such as health, science, objective, and comprehensive and in and technology. accordance with the highest professional standards of broadcast n Produce enterprise reporting journalism. through deep and lasting exploration of critical issues in the n Produce news and information, countries BBG targets. consistent with audience preferences and mission n Co-create content with reputable requirements, which are not partners, as appropriate and addressed adequately by media in consistent with broadcasting standards and editorial guidelines. BBG tracks its progress in achieving Strategic Objective 1 with the following performance goals:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: REACH SIGNIFICANT AUDIENCES
Measured Weekly Audiences FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 (in millions)1 Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target BBG2 206 215 226 230 235 VOA 164.6 171.6 172.0 187.7 188.0 190.0 RFE/RL 17.9 23.3 26.5 23.6 27.4 29.5 RFA3 10.8 7.8 8.5 7.5 8.0 9.0
MBN4 31.8 29.3 NA 25.7 27.0 28.0 Radio Sawa4 11.1 11.3 11.5 10.9 Alhurra4 21.9 20.9 22.0 17.6 OCB5 NA NA NA NA NA NA
1Measured weekly audience is the number of people in target areas listening to or viewing BBG programming or online materials in the past week. It is influenced by a number of factors that vary across broadcasters, including number of languages, number and type of distribution platforms, and media environment.
2The BBG weekly audience is unduplicated, i.e., a member of the audience is counted only once, regardless of the number of times, platforms, or networks they consume each week. (continued on next page)
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3RFA figure include audience for six of their nine language services. BBG is not able to conduct audience research for Korean, Tibetan, and Uyghur.
4MBN’s reach is artificially low for FY 2015 because it does not include Syria, where MBN’s last- recorded weekly reach was 4.3 million. The last Syria survey was collected more than 5 years ago (2010), the cutoff date for including survey data in BBG’s calculations. Beginning with the FY 2017 budget and FY 2015 PAR, BBG is reporting performance indicators for MBN overall and will discontinue reporting separately on Radio Sawa and Alhurra in subsequent years. This move brings them in line with the other broadcast entities and allows inclusion of MBN’s Afia Darfur audiences.
5Because of the historical limitations of reliable survey data in Cuba, it has not been possible to reliably measure weekly audience for OCB. BBG anticipates conducting a survey and reporting results in FY 2016 and will set future targets at that time.
PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: PROVIDE PROGRAMMING THAT AUDIENCES FIND TRUSTWORTHY
Program Credibility Percent of weekly audience who FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 consider information to be very or Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target somewhat trustworthy
VOA 89 89 90 86 86 87 RFE/RL 92 92 93 88 92 93
RFA 89 87 89 84 87 89
MBN1 86 86 86 86
Radio Sawa1 85 83 86 1 Alhurra 84 84 86 OCB2 NA NA NA NA NA NA
1Starting with the FY 2017 budget and FY 2015 PAR, BBG is reporting performance indicators for
MBN overall and will discontinue reporting separately on Radio Sawa and Alhurra in subsequent years.
This move brings them in line with the other broadcast entities and allows inclusion of MBN’s Afia
Darfur audiences.
2 Due to historical limitations of reliable survey data in Cuba, it has not been possible to reliably measure credibility for OCB. BBG anticipates conducting a survey and reporting results in FY 2016 and will set future targets at that time.
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Performance Budget Information
PERFORMANCE GOAL 3: PROVIDE PROGRAMMING THAT INCREASES THE AUDIENCES’ UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT EVENTS
Understanding Percent of weekly audience who report that the FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 broadcasts have increased their understanding Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target of current events somewhat or a great deal
VOA 90 90 91 85 85 86
RFE/RL 90 86 88 84 88 90
RFA 97 88 90 80 85 88 1 MBN 81 81 81 81 Radio Sawa1 80 77 81
1 Alhurra 79 77 81 OCB2 NA NA NA NA NA NA
1Starting with the FY 2017 budget and FY 2015 PAR, BBG is reporting performance indicators for
MBN overall and will discontinue reporting separately on Radio Sawa and Alhurra in subsequent years. This move brings them in line with the other broadcast entities and allows inclusion of MBN’s Afia Darfur audiences.
2Due to historical limitations of reliable survey data in Cuba, it has not been possible to reliably measure understanding for OCB. BBG anticipates conducting a survey and reporting results in FY 2016 and will set future targets at that time.
PERFORMANCE GOAL 4: PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL NEWS AND INFORMATION
Uniqueness1 Percent of weekly FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 audience reporting FY 2014 Actual FY 2015 Target that broadcaster Actual Target Target presents information they cannot get from other media VOA 25 25 26
RFE/RL 32 34 35 Question has Establish been baselines NA RFA No data NA incorporated during FY yet into core 2017 budget No data NA MBN questionnaire formulation NA yet
OCB NA NA NA
1This is a new measure in FY 2015. Baselines are based on a small subset of countries, those surveyed since 2013 through BBG surveys and with a sufficient sample size of weekly users to allow analysis. There was insufficient data to report uniqueness scores for RFA, MBN, and OCB.
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2: REACH THE INFORMATION-DENIED, UNDERSERVED, AND TARGETS OF EXTREMIST RHETORIC AND VIOLENCE In deciding where to broadcast, BBG boost service to these areas, where considers the local media situation and feasible. prioritizes countries that lack a free or n Introduce service in selected new developed press. Special consideration languages to reach sizeable new is given to populations at risk of violence audiences in important countries due to extremist rhetoric. In all target where BBG’s products are urgently countries, BBG broadcasters seek to needed. grow their audience base and reach those traditionally underserved by its n Reach out to women and youth with broadcasts. Populations in the target the kinds of content and countries are overwhelmingly young – a conversation they wish to have challenge but also a chance for us to beyond traditional news and connect with a demographic that in the information paradigms. main has never even heard of us. BBG’s n Sharpen audience segmentation and current audiences are approximately 60 targeting to drive content strategies percent male and 40 percent female – and better address gender and age an imbalance ripe for correcting. BBG demographics, as well as understands that to reach and be psychographic segments. relevant with these audiences, it needs n Create country-specific content to provide them with content that not streams in existing languages to only informs them of international and augment news and information for local news, but assists them in building priority countries, e.g., Egypt, Mali. and participating in a civil society. BBG pays special attention to audiences in n Serve as a conduit for the areas plagued by extremism, as transmission of reporting from extremist forces espouse a violent inside closed societies to outside ideology and execute campaigns of audiences. terror that threaten U.S. and regional n Ensure strong local news coverage, security and stymie free, open, as warranted by events, to meet democratic societies. Support for urgent audience needs in areas of programming to these audiences is in crisis. the interests of U.S. national security. n Draw on the experiences of the n Prioritize countries lacking freedom world’s many models of free and democracy or faced with societies, in particular the U.S., to extremism where accurate, credible present a broad array of political news and information are lacking; views and debates.
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Performance Budget Information
The BBG tracks its progress in achieving Strategic Objective 2 with the following performance goals:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT AUDIENCE REACH IN ENVIRONMENTS SUBJECT TO EXTREMIST VIOLENCE
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 Baseline1 Target Actual FY 2016 Target FY 2017 Target
Maintain significant 2 35.5% 35.5% 42.4% 43.5% 43.5% reach in Iraq Maintain significant reach in the 3.9 million 4.0 million 4.0 million 4.0 million 4.0 million Persian Gulf3 Increase reach in 8.9 million Francophone Sub- 8.9 million 8.9 million 10.0 million 11.0 million Saharan Africa4 Increase reach in 33.0 million Anglophone Sub- 34.0 million 34.6 million 35.0 million 36.0 million 5 Saharan Africa 6.0% 0.5 12.1% (Aug 1 percentage point 1 percentage (Oct 2013) percentage 2015) additional weekly point additional points reach (over FY 2015 weekly reach Increase weekly additional levels) (over FY 2016 reach in Kenya weekly levels) reach (over FY 2013/14 levels) 20.3% 0.5 17.8% (Jun 1 percentage point 1 percentage (Sep 2012) percentage 2015) additional weekly point additional point reach (over FY 2015 weekly reach Increase weekly additional levels) (over FY 2016 reach in Tanzania weekly levels) reach (over FY 2013/14 levels) 16.9% 2 18.1% (Jun 1 percentage point 1 percentage (Mar 2014) percentage 2015) additional weekly point additional point reach (over FY 2015 weekly reach Increase weekly additional levels) (over FY 2016 reach in Nigeria weekly levels) reach (over FY 2013/14 levels) 16.0% 0.5 16.0% (Dec 1 percentage points 1 percentage (Dec 2013) percentage 2013) additional weekly points additional points reach (over FY 2015 weekly reach Increase weekly additional levels) (over FY 2016 reach in Niger weekly levels) reach (over FY 2013/14 levels)
(Continued on next page)
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( Continued from previous page)
FY 2014 FY 2015 Baseline1 Target FY 2015 Actual FY 2016 Target FY 2017 Target Achieve significant Accra, Ghana: 7% weekly Accra, Ghana: VOA will continue VOA will continue impact in markets 4.8% reach in 4.8% tracking these tracking these where BBG Abidjan, Cote each capital Abidjan, Cote indicators indicators operates an FM d’Ivoire: city with a d’Ivoire: 7.7% internally, but will internally, but will 6 14.5% transmitter new BBG Bamako, Mali: discontinue discontinue Bamako, Mali: FM 7.6% reporting them reporting them 7.6% transmitter externally in order externally in order Bangui, Bangui, to streamline to streamline Central Central performance performance African African reporting and reporting and Republic: Republic: preserve preserve 15.3% 15.3% competitive competitive Freetown, Freetown, advantage in these advantage in Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone: markets. these markets. 6.2% 38.5% Hargeisa, Hargeisa, Somalia: Somalia: 41.3% 41.3% Juba, South Juba, South Sudan: 27.7% Sudan: 27.7% Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda: Rwanda: 46.5% 46.5% Nairobi, Kenya: 5.2% Nairobi, N’Djamena, Kenya: 23.4% Chad: 44.1% N’Djamena, Nouakchott, Chad: 44.1% Mauritania: no Nouakchott, data Mauritania: no Ougadougou, data Burkina Faso: 7 Ougadougou, 9.9% Burkina Faso: Bujumbura, 10.8% Burundi: Bujumbura, 27.3% Burundi: Dakar, 12.0% Senegal: 1.5% Dakar, Monrovia, Senegal: Liberia: 52.4% 1.4% Sao Tome, Monrovia, Sao Tome and Liberia: 52.4% Principe: no Sao Tome, data Sao Tome and Principe: no data
1 Multi-country estimates are presented in real numbers, rather than percentages, because of the potential high variations in percentages across covered countries. 2 Iraq includes audience for Alhurra, Radio Sawa, and VOA Kurdish. (continued on next page)
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Performance Budget Information
(continued from previous page) 3 Survey dates for 2015 Actual: Bahrain (Dec 2014); Kuwait (Jan 2014); Qatar (Jun 14); Saudi Arabia (Nov 2012); UAE (Apr 11); Yemen (July 14); Total surveyed population of Arabs and Arab expatriates in 5 countries = 33.4 million 4 Survey dates for 2015 Actual: Benin (Jun 2013); Burkina Faso (May 2015); Burundi (Oct 2014); Cameroon (Apr 2013); Central African Republic (Nov 2012); Chad (Oct 2012); Congo, Brazzaville (Jun 2013); Congo, Kinshasa (Nov 2012); Cote d’Ivoire (Jun 2015); Guinea (Jun 2014); Mali (Dec 2013); Rwanda (May 2014); Senegal (May 2015). 5 Survey dates for 2015 Actual: Botswana (Sep 2014), Ghana (Nov 2013); Kenya (Aug 2015); Liberia (Sep 2012); Malawi (Oct 2014), Nigeria (Jun 2015); Sierra Leone (Apr 2015); Somalia (Feb 2013); South Africa (Nov 2014); South Sudan (Apr 2012); Tanzania (Jun 2015); Uganda (Jul 2012); Zambia (Dec 2014). 6 Survey dates are the same as above. 7 Reach in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso reflects radio and television audiences; it cannot be disaggregated.
PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: INCREASE AUDIENCE REACH IN ENVIRONMENTS LACKING INFORMATION
FY 2014 Baseline FY 2015 Target FY 2015 Actual FY 2016 Target FY 2017 Target
Expand weekly 11.2% +1 percentage 11.2% +2 percentage +2 percentage audience reach in points points points Burma (Mar 2014) (Mar 2014)
Expand weekly 30.8% +1 percentage 39.5% +2 percentage +1 percentage audience reach in points points point Cambodia (Jun 2014) (May 2015)
Expand weekly +0.5 +0.5 1.9% +1 percentage 3.6% audience reach in percentage percentage points Vietnam (Mar 2013) (Mar 2015) point point
Expand digital +0.5 +0.25 +0.25 0.03% 0.25% audience reach in percentage percentage percentage (Jun 2014) China (Nov 2009) points points points
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PERFORMANCE GOAL 3: REACH AUDIENCES WITH FACT-BASED, CREDIBLE INFORMATION IN ENVIRONMENTS TARGETED BY STATE-SPONSORED MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS
FY 15 Actual FY 2016 Target FY 2017 Target
2.7% (Dec 2013) Increase weekly Maintain FY 16 Increase reach in the reach by 1 audience reach Russian Federation percentage point over current level 20.8% (Apr 2014) Reach 24% of Reach 25% of Increase reach in adults on all adults on all Ukraine platforms platforms 8.3% (Oct 2010) Reach 14% of Reach 20% of Increase reach in adults on all adults on all Moldova platforms platforms
0.9% (Jan 2011) Reach 1.5% of Reach 2% of Increase reach in adults on all adults on all Kazakhstan platforms platforms 6.8% (Nov 2014) Reach 10% of Reach 11% of Increase reach in adults on all adults on all Tajikistan platforms platforms 5.2% (Aug 2015) Reach 6% of Reach 7% of Attract audiences in adults on all adults on all Estonia platforms platforms No data Reach 3% of Reach 5% of Attract audiences in adults on all adults on all Latvia platforms platforms
No data Reach 3% of Reach 5% of Attract audiences in adults on all adults on all Lithuania platforms platforms Russia: 91.9% (Dec 2013) Ukraine: 93.4% (Apr 2014) 80% of weekly 80% of weekly Provide Moldova: 88.8% audience in each audience in each (Oct 2010) programming that market consider market consider audiences find Kazakhstan: no data information to be information to be trustworthy Tajikistan: 87.8% very or somewhat very or somewhat (Nov 2014) trustworthy trustworthy Estonia: no data Latvia: no data Lithuania: no data
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CONTEXTUAL INDICATORS:
# of BBG target countries ranked as:
2015 Freedom House Rankings Not Free Partly Free Free
Freedom of the Press 61 51 10
Freedom in the World (political) 51 46 25
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3: OVERCOME CENSORSHIP
For almost 70 years U.S. international n Lead in assisting the world’s citizens broadcasting has fought censorship in to gain access to information on all all its forms. Today, as the global media platforms, advocating on the environment undergoes a dynamic international stage and coordinating revolution, access to a truly free press is within the U.S. government and with actually in decline. Jamming of radio international broadcasters and other and TV broadcasts, including the BBG’s, allies. continues in a number of countries. n Help audiences understand through Journalists suffer harassment and journalistic reports the practices and violence daily. Media laws often restrict policies of Internet censorship and free flows of information, limiting the circumvention. ability of international news organizations to distribute their content. n Fund technologies that counter The Internet in particular is under Internet censorship and Internet assault. The Agency upholds the blocking. universal right of citizens everywhere to n Increase effective use of social receive and impart information without media and digital platforms to restriction. BBG works on many fronts combat censorship. to make news and information n Provide in-house digital expertise to accessible to its global audiences with address real-time censorship and the aim of enabling not only unfettered jamming issues in targeted regions. access to agency products but also the full spectrum of independent news sources on the Internet.
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The BBG tracks its progress in achieving Strategic Objective 3 with the following performance goal:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: INCREASE TRAFFIC THROUGH INTERNET ANTI-CENSORSHIP PRODUCTS
FY FY FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 2016 2017 Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target
Increase proxy traffic 20,000 21,900 22,000 18,250 23,000 23,000 through Ultrasurf TB TB TB TB TB TB
Increase proxy traffic 1,961 4,125 5,000 9,000 10,000 8,900 TB through Psiphon TB TB TB TB TB
Increase satellite Internet 138 GB 17 GB 24 GB 9 GB 10 GB 10 GB traffic to Cuba
Number of messages 3.1 8 10 NA 5 million 6.9 million sent via Piramideo million million million
Note: Satellite Internet traffic to Cuba decreased in FY 2014 due to contractual limitations on bandwidth. Bandwidth ran out in 2013 and people stopped using the system. Since acquiring new bandwidth, users have been slow to return. It is hoped that given time and increased funding, numbers can return to initial growth rate.
CONTEXTUAL INDICATOR:
# of BBG target countries ranked as: 2015 Freedom House Rankings Not Free Partly Free
Freedom on the Net 10 2
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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 4: OPTIMIZE THE MEDIA MIX AND PROGRAM DELIVERY BY MARKET
It is essential that BBG reaches drives, DVDs, and other alternative audiences on their preferred media delivery means. platforms. Yet the Agency’s distribution n Expand local distribution through methods and means have lagged shifts affiliation with strong local television in media use. BBG must therefore align and FM radio stations and, where how it delivers content with how possible, installation of FM consumers now access it. For traditional transmitters. media, BBG must migrate to the most effective broadcast channels, including n Draw on research and other inputs satellite TV and FM radio. The BBG must to tailor format and presentation accelerate investment into growing and styles to audience needs and media enhancing new distribution methods, usage habits, creating content that with specific attention to social and can break through ever increasing mobile platforms. Considering the BBG clutter. has one of the world’s largest affiliate n Exploit the falling cost of video networks, the Agency must aggressively production by updating BBG expand and improve its affiliations and broadcasting facilities to support syndication of content in effective growing audience appetite for TV formats. Ultimately, the Agency is and video. Support audience’s platform-agnostic. The BBG seeks to do growing appetite for social media, what works best for the market at hand TV, and video by purchasing to get content to as many users as equipment and rebuilding aging possible. infrastructure and broadcasting facilities. n Increase distribution on platforms that BBG knows audiences are using n Integrate and digitize all content – – FM, satellite TV, and mobile e.g. text, audio, photos, graphics, and devices – migrating away from video – on a common content legacy platforms where they do not management system to facilitate use reach audiences. across platforms, support on- demand needs of the audience, and n Find creative ways to penetrate increase use via syndication to closed societies, through flash affiliates.
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The BBG tracks its progress in achieving Strategic Objective 4 with the following performance goals:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: INCREASE WEB AND MOBILE TRAFFIC1
FY 2015 FY 2016 Target2 Target (increase FY 2014 FY 2014 (10% FY 2015 FY 2017 2 2 in visits Target Actual Actual Target increase over over FY14 FY15 levels) levels) VOA 4,948,200 5,443,000 5,990,400 10% RFE/RL 5,911,900 6,503,100 7,890,400 Maintain Achieve Roll out RFA 10% new 922,700 1,015,000 764,700 Maintain increase 3 analytics MBN 249,400 10% in weekly tool and Alhurra3 visits over establish 147,2002 161,9002 FY 2016 baselines Sawa3 levels 243,0002 267,3002 OCB 75,000 82,500 119,200 10%
1 Data in the chart above should be compared across years and not across broadcasters, in part because broadcasters are measuring different numbers of web and mobile sites and languages. Numbers do not include some proxy visits. Traffic to apps is not included because it was not available for the full fiscal year for all broadcasters.
2In FY 2014, the BBG made an investment in enterprise-quality digital analytical systems to provide digital measurement and insights across all of its websites and mobile applications. This switch resulted in a data discontinuity that required rebaselining in FY 2014. For FY 2014, VOA, RFE/RL, RFA, and OCB numbers were based on the initial configuration of the new analytics tool; FY 2014 actuals and FY 2015 targets for MBN were based on the legacy analytics tool. FY 2015 actuals are based on the new analytics tool.
3Starting with the FY 2017 budget and FY 2015 PAR, BBG is reporting performance indicators for MBN overall and will discontinue reporting separately on Radio Sawa and Alhurra in subsequent years. This move brings them in line with the other broadcast entities.
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PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: BUILD STRONG AFFILIATE RELATIONSHIPS
Number of affiliations FY FY FY FY FY FY (broadcast, online, and 2013 2014 2015 2015 2016 2017 mobile) Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target
VOA 2,252 1,838 1,900 2,088 2,192 2,302
RFE/RL 759 528 540 577 606 636
RFA 29 23 26 30 35 40
Note: In FY 2013, BBG changed its methodology for counting affiliates. This stemmed, in part, from an upgrade to its affiliate database to promote better communication with affiliates, as well as the growing importance of digital outlets. Where previously only high impact, high quality radio and TV affiliates with signed contracts were tallied, the affiliation indicator now counts all stations or outlets that regularly retransmit content from BBG networks. The methodology for counting affiliates was further refined in FY 2014. Previous estimates for RFE/RL were undercounted.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 5: SERVE AS A ROBUST U.S. NEWS BUREAU AND CULTURAL BRIDGE
Representing American society and Carrying them out requires sensitivity presenting and discussing U.S. policy are and creativity. Currents of anti- legislated mandates for the Agency and Americanism still run strong in some thus constitute mission imperatives. parts of the world, necessitating deft BBG’s coverage of the U.S. is outreach that stresses dialogue not comprehensive across all elements of monologue. The way people interact society but aims overall to convey the with media today, with emphasis on practice of democracy in all of its interaction, further affirms this approach. complexity. It is not about persuading At the same time, America’s still audiences to admire the U.S.; it is about dominant role on the global stage helping them see how the U.S. manages makes it a focal point of international the challenges of a democratic society – attention, and its national language is from economic growth to fiscal crises to the one that tens of millions of people race relations to educating youth to around the world seek to learn. VOA, in addressing environmental change. particular, is uniquely mandated and These topic areas find ready positioned to leverage these advantages comparisons in BBG’s target countries to connect with diverse international and resonate with the Agency’s audiences, serving as a U.S. news bureau audiences in practical, meaningful ways. for affiliate partners and providing English-learning programming.
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n Serve as a U.S. bureau for media analysis of national elections and outlets across the world that wish to coverage of other political events to engage with us for news, analysis, impart the news and to elucidate the and perspectives from the United democratic process, with stories States – on the model that has localized to make them interesting succeeded in Armenia, Bolivia, to specific target regions. Turkey, et al. n Satisfy the world’s growing appetite n Emphasize English learning as a for learning English through TV and vehicle for positive audience radio programs, online instruction, engagement and interaction as well printed instructional materials, and as information on American society innovative short-form videos posted and culture. on the Web.
n Meet the global interest in American politics with in-depth coverage and
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: PROVIDE PROGRAMMING THAT INCREASES AUDIENCES’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED STATES
Understanding of U.S. society FY Percent of weekly audience who report that the FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2017 2016 broadcasts have increased their understanding of Actual Target Actual Target Target U.S. society somewhat or a great deal
VOA 66 67 60 62 65
Understanding of U.S. foreign policy FY Percent of weekly audience who report that the FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2017 2016 broadcasts have increased their understanding of Actual Target Actual Target Target U.S. foreign policy somewhat or a great deal
VOA 64 65 61 62 65
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 6: EMPOWER CITIZEN INFORMATION GATHERING AND EXCHANGE
New and powerful web, mobile, and not only to tell their stories on a digital social media tools are enabling world stage but also to connect with increasingly diverse voices to be heard one another to chart the future of their around the world. These tools have communities and build new forms of made media personal, moving the civil society. Social media is also power from centralized broadcasters to changing the way news is gathered and a new class of bloggers, activists, distributed, requiring news organizations videographers, and a content- to adopt new work flows that allow generating public. They are using media them to use multiple platforms to deliver
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content to a global audience. The n Build new partnerships to create Agency must aggressively pursue an tools that help us more efficiently innovation agenda that develops the and effectively translate content for next generation of content, tools, and a global audience around high- distribution platforms. quality news and information.
n Pursue partnerships with n Nurture citizen journalism and technologists around the globe who channel user-generated content are building the next generation of from inside repressive states. digital media technology through n Link citizens within repressive mobile and social media. societies and to external audiences n Develop a suite of new media through social media networks. products that can be easily deployed n Facilitate dialogue across religious, by language services based on national and ethnic groups. market consumption data, with an n Enter into a “global conversation” eye toward maximizing with BBG audiences by using social opportunities for user generated media tools to identify, source, and content, peer-to-peer sharing, and distribute news content into the audience interactivity. channels where people are having conversations about their community and the world.
The BBG tracks its progress in achieving Strategic Objective 6 with the following performance goals:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: INCREASE AUDIENCE INTERACTION VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
Digital Engagement FY 2014 Actual FY 2015 FY 2015 Actual FY 2016 FY 2017 Impact Index Target Target Target VOA System for Not reported this RFE/RL Set targets automated year due to a during FY collection of Establish required Establish RFA 2018 social media baselines. reconfiguration baselines. budget data rolled out of data collection MBN formulation. in Q4 FY 2014. tool. OCB
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PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: INCREASE SHARING OF BBG PROGRAMMING
Percent of weekly audience who shares FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 news heard/read/seen FY 2015 Actual Actual Target Target Target on broadcaster at least once a week
VOA 54 54 52 53 54
RFE/RL 48 50 54 56 57
RFA 55 55 56 57 58
MBN NA NA NA Set baseline Establish target during FY 2018 budget formulation
OCB NA NA NA NA NA
Note: This measure is available for most countries that have been assessed by BBG media surveys since 2013. There is insufficient data to report on MBN target countries.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE 1: TRANSFORM THE BBG INTO AN AGILE AND COST-EFFECTIVE ENTERPRISE, RESPONSIVE TO RAPID GEOPOLITICAL CHANGE AND ONGOING FISCAL CONSTRAINTS
By virtual of historical circumstance, n Enhance the Agency’s technological todays BBG is a complex amalgam of platforms and workflows enabling it diverse media outlets and respective to continually adapt to global support organizations, operating under standards in content acquisition, different legal and administrative manipulation, distribution, and frameworks. The result is an audience consumption behaviors. organization lacking the agility essential n Transform the workplace and to operate in a rapidly evolving global increase collaboration by leveraging media environment and the open space concepts. standardization that enables rational resource allocations. Going forward, the n Make innovation a core value of Agency must undergo rapid and how BBG works and interfaces with fundamental transformation in order to audiences and other stakeholders. appropriately fulfill its charter amidst n Automate and streamline business growing geo-political instability and processes and work flows. substantial budgetary challenges.
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The BBG tracks its progress in achieving Management Objective 1 with the following performance goals:
COMPLETED PERFORMANCE GOAL: RESTRUCTURE AGENCY MANAGEMENT
FY 2014 Actual FY 2015 Target FY 2015 Actual
CEO was sworn in on Pursue CEO appointment CEO selected Hire CEO September 3
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: ENHANCE THE AGENCY’S TECHNOLOGICAL POSTURE
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2014 Actual FY 2015 Actual Target Target Target
Execute Multi-Protocol 100% of 80% of BBG OCB, PNN 50% of seamless Linked owned owned/operated and VOA satellite- transition to Switches uplink uplink facilities China TV based Internet and (MPLS) facilities have MPLS (approx. distribution fiber optic infrastructure have MPLS connectivity. 13%) of feeds content put in place to connectivity. 100% of satellite satellite- transferred distribution to facilitate All satellite based circuits based to stations and satellite based used for agency distribution terrestrial uplinks optimization. circuits used data (non- feeds circuits. MPLS has for agency broadcast transferred replaced data (non- content) moved to terrestrial leased fiber broadcast from satellite to circuits (by optic cables. content) terrestrial end of 1Q). 80% of moved from circuits. 15% of 40% of owned uplink satellite to satellite-based satellite- facilities terrestrial distribution feeds based have MPLS circuits. have been distribution connectivity. 15% of transferred to feeds satellite- terrestrial transferred based circuits. to terrestrial distribution circuits. feeds transferred to terrestrial circuits.
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PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: TRANSFORM WORKPLACE AND INCREASE COLLABORATION
FY 2014 FY 2015 Target FY 2015 Actual FY 2016 FY 2017 Actual Target Target
Leverage open 68% of 41% of total 53% of total 42% of total 61% of total space total footprint footprint footprint footprint concepts footprint
Note: 33% of the total footprint is technical space not suitable for open space concepts, e.g., conference rooms, data rooms, and broadcasting studios.
PERFORMANCE GOAL 3: AUTOMATE AND STREAMLINE KEY BUSINESS PROCESSES
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2017 FY 2016 Target Actual Target Actual Target
Complete Automated Automate Automated Automated Integrate business process time and time and Time and Time and Procure to reengineering and attendance attendance Attendance Attendance Pay into automation of system has system; System in System rolled Momentum; business and been delayed testing phase. out to all Integrate Standardized media workflows due to Pilot to roll- federal entities financial, HR, annual unavailability out in Q1 FY and payroll, and procurement of funds; 2016; incorporated time and planning; into existing Analysis of attendance Integration of payroll (DFAS) Complete financial, HR systems; HR and system; integration of and payroll Payroll Automate financial, HR, systems delayed due Completion of invoice payroll, and substantially to planning Procure to Pay submission time and underway in and funding analysis; and attendance FY 2014 and issues; processing. Begin systems; completed in 80% of integration of Q1 FY 2015. End-to-end Procure to financial, HR, high definition Pay analysis payroll, and video completed. time and workflows. attendance systems.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE 2: LEVERAGE AND HARMONIZE AGENCY ASSETS AND BRANDS
The BBG is one of the world’s largest Central Africa, Afghanistan-Pakistan news-gathering and reporting border region, Burma, China, Egypt, Iran, enterprises with more than 80 language North Korea, Russia, Syria, Yemen, et al – services, 50 overseas news bureaus, primarily in vernacular languages for 4,000 employees, and 1,500 stringer target audiences in these areas. Too reporters. Each of the Agency’s five little of this rich content is translated and broadcasters generates original shared across the BBG to augment reporting every day from and around international news coverage for other the world’s hotspots – the Sahel and BBG vernacular services or made
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available to other global audiences in newsrooms and across the BBG to English. BBG will remedy this by get maximum mileage out of the facilitating coordination between content it currently produces. broadcast entities through the n Harmonize news gathering, International Media Coordinating including stringer and Council (ICC), comprised of the heads of correspondent networks, across the each of our five networks, and BBG to ensure required editorial reinforcing their unique and respective coordination and avoid redundancy. mission-driven legislated roles in areas served by multiple broadcasters. n Use BBG’s coordinated news gathering and reporting structures n Ensure coordinated and as assets to provide affiliates with complementary mission-driven greater value, through interactive operations and content served by segments and other special two BBG media entities. offerings.
n Build the internal content-sharing n Complement original BBG reporting network, aligning internal editorial through curation, commissioning, support and coordination, as and acquisition of external content. needed. The BBG tracks its progress in achieving n Channel original reporting from the Management Objective 2 with the language services to the central following performance goals:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: DEVELOP COORDINATED STRATEGIES, OPERATIONAL PLANS, AND BUDGETS FOR BBG LANGUAGE SERVICES IN COUNTRIES/REGIONS SERVED BY MORE THAN ONE NETWORK
FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2014 Actual Target Actual Target Target
Establish shared Shared Asian Progress has strategies, operational strategies and markets been limited plans, and budgets; plans for Iran, served by enter evidence into Ukraine, VOA and SMART (Strategic Caucasus, and RFA Management and Balkans Audience Research Tool)
Establish coordinated Launched Refined Continue Continue goals and strategies BBG-wide Strategy and refine and refine for each target Strategy Review Strategy Strategy country/region Review, process with Review Review developing goals and process, process, goals and targets tied aligning to further targets for to BBG Agency aligning to each Impact priorities and Agency country/region Model impact priorities and impact
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PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: INCREASE THE QUANTITY OF ORIGINAL REPORTING SHARED ACROSS LANGUAGE SERVICES
FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2014 Actual FY 2016 Target FY 2017 Target Target Actual
Share Various Build Tracking Increase Increase content systems in tracking mechanisms coordination and coordination and across place for mechanisms have not content sharing, content sharing, as language sharing into existing been as assessed by assessed by Office services among systems and established Office of of Performance language establish Performance Review, in key services and baseline for Review, in key areas: entities (e.g., shared areas:
News Share, content • Reporting on
VOA • Reporting Russia Insights, on Russia • Covering RFE/RL • Covering violent Editorial violent extremism Agenda) extremism • Influence of • Influence of Iran Iran • China and • China and South China South China Sea Sea • Cuba • Cuba
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE 3: ENHANCE EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND PRODUCTIVITY
BBG’s diverse, multi-cultural, and multi- the Agency confronts mounting talented workforce offers a rich range of competitive pressures worldwide. experience and expertise to carry out the Agency’s mission. Key to success in n Promote human capital planning a rapidly changing, highly competitive and management as a top priority global media environment is flexibility to for senior executives, managers, and develop innovative products for the supervisors throughout the agency. Agency’s target countries consistent n Consistently communicate with emerging priorities, programming organizational goals, objectives, formats, and advances in technology. priorities, and performance Enhanced skill sets are required to expectations in a timely manner to program for and transmit via multiple staff at all levels in the agency. media platforms – radio, TV, Internet, n Ensure a safe and secure work mobile, and though social media. BBG environment for all employees. employees are most effective when they are well motivated, trained, and led. Continued efforts to equip and energize the entire BBG workforce are critical as
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n Implement manager training n Develop cross-training and internal curriculum focusing on performance development standards and management, human capital procedures, as applicable. planning and processes, n Foster employee participation in communication, and financial and agency health and wellness administrative management. programs. n Improve the consistency and credibility of agency performance management processes.
The BBG tracks its progress in achieving Management Objective 3 with the following performance goals:
PERFORMANCE GOAL 1: IMPROVE PERFORMANCE CULTURE OF AGENCY
Results-oriented performance FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 culture index (from Federal Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target Employee Viewpoint Survey)
BBG 46 44 46 47 48 50
Government-wide 51 51 52 (for comparison)
Note: Results for the 2015 FEVS are expected in September-October.
PERFORMANCE GOAL 2: IMPROVE EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Percentage of employees who believe that the workforce has the job-relevant knowledge and skills FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 necessary to accomplish Actual Actual Target Actual Target Target organizational goals (from Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey)
BBG 55 53 55 55 57 59
Government-wide (for 70 69 69 comparison)
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DISCONTINUED PERFORMANCE GOAL: INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
Percentage of employees FY FY FY FY participating in Health and Wellness 2013 2014 2015 2015 program (from Federal Employee Actual Actual Target Actual Viewpoint Survey)
BBG 26 25 30 20
BBG is discontinuing the Health and Wellness Program performance goal. BBG’s new policy for meal periods, including the option of “no lunch,” allows employees greater flexibility but has decreased their participation in health and wellness activities.
REGIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
BBG has established long-term performance objectives based on regional priorities. The following highlights each of the performance objectives, recent accomplishments, proposed program changes and FY 2017 annual performance objectives.1
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: REACH CRITICAL AUDIENCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017
(Estimate) (Target) (Target) Measured Weekly Audience 25.7** 27.0 28.0 (in millions)*
*In Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan (Darfur), Tunisia, UAE, Yemen.
**The MENA reach is artificially low for FY 2015 because it does not include Syria, where the last- recorded weekly reach was 4.3 million. The last Syria survey was collected more than 5 years ago (2010), the cutoff date for including survey data in BBG’s calculations.
Program Accomplishments MBN’s digital, television, and radio Alhurra and Radio Sawa provided U.S. campaign, Raise Your Voice-Iraq policymakers an opportunity to share encourages Iraqi citizens to speak out information directly with Middle East and address extremism and the audiences and ensure there is clear underlying causes of terrorism. understanding of policies and intentions.
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MBN provided truthful, objective deteriorating situation in Yemen, and accounts of events that were presented the Israeli Parliamentary election. by other media outlets in biased, storied manners, including the murders of a VOA Kurdish secured new television and Jordanian pilot and Egyptian Copts, a radio affiliates in Iraqi Kurdistan and deadly attack on a museum in Tunis, Turkey, as a result of its frontline video ISIL’s tightening grip on Ramadi, the and audio reporting from fighting against ISIL in Syria and Iraq.
Notable Program Changes Further developing digital distribution Continuing Raise Your Voice initiatives through an expansion of MBN’s Raise launched to counter violent extremism Your Voice initiative to engage in Iraq and engage audiences across the audiences in Egypt. Maghre
FY 2017 Performance Objectives Produce engaging programming to Launch a digital channel for audiences serve as a platform for moderate voices in Egypt with programming specific to the region, countering extremist their lives and their future. narratives.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: EXPAND AUDIENCE REACH IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE NEAR EAST, SOUTH ASIA, CENTRAL ASIA AND EURASIA
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017
(Estimate) (Target) (Target)
Measured Weekly Audience 59.2 59.8 60.8 (in millions)*
*In Abkhazia, Adygea, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia, Chechnya, Dagestan, Estonia, Georgia, Iran, Karachaevo-Cherkessia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Nagorno-Karabakh, Pakistan, Pakistan FATA, Russia, Serbia, South Ossetia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tatarstan, Transnistria, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine.
Program Accomplishments
n In October 2014, RFE/RL and VOA Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, and launched Current Time, a joint Ukraine. The show presents a daily production undertaken in 30-minute mix of live news partnership with public and private coverage, interviews, original broadcasters and Internet portals in features, and political satire and Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, provides an alternate narrative to
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that which is propagated by weekly program, Towards Peace, Russian-controlled TV. In September aimed at promoting dialogue and 2015, RFE/RL added a 30-minute democracy as a means of conflict daily edition for Central Asia. resolution in the tribal regions of Pakistan. The program talks to n As a result of efforts to enhance collaboration in editorial operations experts, tribal leaders and other relevant stakeholders to examine and leverage assets more effectively, RFE/RL’s Radio Farda launched ways to achieve political goals, settle disputes and solve problems hourly, five-minute TV news updates for satellite, Internet, and for through non-violent means. inclusion in VOA’s Persian News n VOA Ukrainian served as a de facto Network Satellite TV stream. These U.S. news bureau for four major broadcasts will provide Iranian Ukrainian national TV networks, audiences with up-to-date news countering active Russian throughout the morning and early propaganda in the Ukrainian afternoon. VOA Persian provided language. It now reaches nearly one breakthrough programming that in five Ukrainian adults each week. reached one in four Iranians each As part of their anti-corruption week and increased live, breaking program Schemes, RFE/RL’s news broadcasts by 60 percent. Ukrainian Service ran an investigation in February 2015 n VOA Deewa launched a daily one- looking into how Ukrainian hour program for women and a President Petro Poroshenko may half-hour daily anti-terror program have used his presidential influence for youth in the Federally to shut down investigations into a Administered Tribal Areas of land deal on a historic site in the Pakistan while also expanding its Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. video coverage of surrounding areas. Radio Mashaal launched a
Notable Program Changes n A series of “Next Generation” n Reallocating RFE/RL Persian- investments, targeting young people language radio resources in order to on digital platforms, engaging them expand and enhance digital and TV across mobile and social media, with operations to Iran. a focus on Russian pressure and ISIL n Making reductions at RFE/RL to the tactics. Kabul bureau and the Azerbaijani n Launching Raise Your Voice Service. campaigns for Central Asia and the Balkans, including new digital media units and other youth engagement initiatives.
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FY 2017 Performance Objectives n Expand Russian language n Create a digital forum to engage programming, using digital and youth in Central Asia and the traditional means to engage Balkans. audiences about Russian pressure n Leverage the newsgathering assets being applied in the region. of VOA and RFE/RL and increase n Provide increased digital content for coordination in countries where audiences in South and Central Asia both networks broadcast. and Iran, especially via social media, n Build mobile and social media responding to terrorist inroads by audiences in the Middle East and ISIL. North Africa by producing original content targeted to emerging news audiences.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: FOCUS BROADCASTING TO AUDIENCES OF STRATEGIC PRIORITY IN EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017
(Estimate) (Target) (Target)
Measured Weekly Audience (in 51.7 53.0 54.0 millions)*
*In Burma, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.
Program Accomplishments n RFA’s Uyghur Service was at the weekly on-line live forums on forefront of breaking news from American issues. In December 2014, inside China’s Xinjiang Uyghur RFA’s Mandarin Service launched 30- Autonomous Region (XUAR), as well minute daily (Monday-Friday) as the latest developments in the satellite television using visuals repatriations of Uyghurs to China. sourced from citizen journalists in RFA’s Cantonese and Mandarin target areas, as well as the Service’s Services also enhanced coverage of stringers across the Asia-Pacific ethnic unrest in the XUAR, with a region. In February, RFA’s Cantonese special emphasis on Beijing’s Service launched a weekly satellite draconian policies toward ethnic television program highlighting minorities. rights violations in target areas. n VOA Mandarin expanded use of n In February, RFA’s Tibetan Service WeChat, China’s largest social media launched satellite television platform, to evade censorship with featuring visuals sourced from
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 119
citizen journalists inside Tibet, as n VOA Korean began working with well as the Service’s stringers across South Korea’s largest media network the globe. The initial line-up consists to provide U.S. news that is beamed of three 30-minute segments of into the closed society of North original content per week. VOA Korea. RFA’s Korean Service Tibetan pioneered a highly launched a radio series on North successful and innovative approach Korean labor camps featuring to break through Chinese exclusive interviews with former restrictions by broadcasting a QR political prisoners. (Quick Response) code that, when n VOA and RFA Burmese Services scanned with a mobile phone, added special programs in advance bypasses the Chinese government’s of the first free elections in Burma. firewall and links to the VOA Tibetan website.
Notable Program Changes None.
FY 2017 Performance Objectives n Engage with and produce new video n Leverage the newsgathering assets content for social/digital audiences of VOA and RFA, and increase in East Asia, especially in Burma, coordination in countries where Cambodia, China, and Vietnam. both networks broadcast.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: REACH NEW AUDIENCES WITH INCREASED ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Estimate Target Target
Measured Weekly Audience 51.9 53.0 55.0 (in millions)*
*In Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Cote d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
120 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Performance Budget Information
Program Accomplishments n VOA, the only international source widely credited with helping diffuse of news and information in Kirundi, tensions and avoid partisan violence. expanded Central African broadcasts VOA held country’s first-ever pre- after government shutdowns of election town halls and candidate private radio and social media in joint appearances, and reached Burundi. record digital audiences in Hausa with 6.5 million page views. n VOA expanded Hausa and Swahili language reporting from the center n The BBG continues to install FM of Boko Haram violence in Nigeria, transmitters in strategically Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. important locations in Africa. VOA began broadcasting in Bujumbura, n VOA intensively covered presidential Burundi and Gao and Timbuktu, Mali elections in Nigeria in both English in 2015 and Goma, Lubumbashi, and and Hausa, investigating of key Kisangani, DRC in 2016. issues such as voter fraud, and was
Notable Program Changes None.
FY 2017 Performance Objective Provide strong coverage of violent extremism in Africa.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: EXPAND AUDIENCE REACH IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS OF LATIN AMERICA.
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 Actual Target Target
Measured Weekly Audience 37.5 37.5 37.5 (in millions)*
*In Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Program Accomplishments n ■ Despite the Cuban government’s Cuba conducted in decades by attempts to block OCB’s signals, it is Bendixen and Amandi International estimated that 2.2 million Cubans for Univision Noticias and Fusion in listen to Radio Martí every week, collaboration with The Washington based on the results of the first Post. As more Latin American national survey of Cubans living in governments adopted a more
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 121
repressive approach to media, VOA affiliates throughout Latin America. Spanish provided a lifeline of news Dozens of the service’s television, and analysis from the United States radio and online partners aired and the region, securing new high- President Obama’s announcements impact affiliates in Ecuador and live, with Spanish translation, Venezuela. followed by VOA reporters adding context to the story. n Radio Martí launched Puente, a news program dedicated to informing the n OCB’s SMS-based social network people of Cuba on the process of Piramideo has grown to more from normalization of relations between 11,300 subscribers in 2013 to the U.S. and Cuba. 723,000 members as of September 2015. n VOA Spanish provided extensive coverage of U.S.-Cuba talks for
Notable Program Change n Establishing a new Spanish language organization would perform the international media non-Federal functions of the current OCB. organization that would receive a BBG grant. The new grantee
FY 2017 Performance Objectives n Increase engagement with n Increase coordination between VOA audiences in Cuba on all platforms, Latin America Division and OCB to including greater use of user maximize resources and avoid generated content and social media. content overlapping. n Expand affiliate partnerships in Latin America in support of free press and free expression.
122 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Performance Budget Information
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: ALIGN ESSENTIAL SUPPORT FUNCTIONS WITH BROADCASTING IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE GOALS
Program Accomplishments n The BBG created the Office of n As part of an effort to reduce costs Workforce Support and and move toward a more agile and Development (OWSD). A major advanced global delivery data component of the office is the network, BBG’s Office of Learning Group, which focuses on Technology, Services, and facilitating more peer to peer Innovation completed the first phase learning events and initiated a shift of the Agency migration from to more online training expensive, dedicated transoceanic opportunities. satellite and fiber circuits to more flexible and less expensive digital n BBG’s Office of Strategy and Multi-Protocol Label Switching Development (OSD) continued a (MPLS) circuits. In 2015, TSI added successful “U.S. Bureau” affiliate MPLS capability to BBG sites at strategy. Based on placing RFE/RL Prague, MBN Springfield, interactive reports on local affiliates, OCB Miami and RFA Washington. this strategy has been tremendously successful in markets from Latin n In FY 2015, the Internet Anti- America to sub-Saharan Africa. Censorship (IAC) team countered online censorship in 13 countries n BBG’s Office of Digital and Design and supported 21 BBG language Innovation (ODDI) continued its award winning efforts with the services. The team expanded use of a mobile application for Android release of new enhancements to its suite of mobile applications for devices that incorporates a social news reader, social reporter to smart phones for all BBG networks. These applications now feature accept user-generated content, and real-time chat functionality targeted more live streaming audio and video options for breaking news coverage at users in China and Iran. In addition, the IAC translated and improved social media integrations. application modules into Russian and Ukrainian in order to n BBG’s Office of Research and circumvent additional government Assessment (ORA), working with sponsored censorship in that region. Research Directors from each BBG
network, designed and commissioned approximately 60 audience research studies during FY 2015. Survey data is used to provide strategic audience and platform use data for key markets.
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 123
n IBB is leading a comprehensive structure streamlines administration reform of agency acquisitions and of these contracts and significantly issued a solicitation that will create a reduces the administrative burden new structure for acquiring for a significant portion of the contractor personnel to support Agency’s workforce. VOA and OCB programming. This
Notable Program Changes n Increase in qualitative and impact n Reducing transmitting station research. network, MW transmissions, and worldwide procurement to match n Infrastructure improvements, our network capabilities to evolving including expansion of global media preferences and available distribution capability and next resources. generation broadcast production. n Administrative reductions, including n Realignment of transmission station overtime, service contracts, training, network and satellites and infrastructure improvements. travel, affiliate leases, and contract expenses.
FY 2017 Performance Objectives n Use research to identify appropriate n Provide enterprise-wide technical target audiences and their preferred support for digital and social media media, with the formats and content innovation. that appeal to them, and assess the n Build strong and collaborative impact of BBG programming. relationships with affiliate partners in n Realign BBG transmissions to target markets. maximize the effectiveness of n Maintain the firewall and program delivery resources. continuously monitor programming n Provide cutting-edge circumvention quality in line with modern tools to audiences and independent broadcast journalism principles media outlets in countries that through annual performance restrict and censor Internet access. reviews of all broadcast services. n Support initiatives to improve n Carry out BBG’s mission and goals financial, performance and budget with a workforce that is agile, skilled, integration as well as financial and diverse, well-led and motivated. acquisition processes. n Address BBG’s most critical infrastructure maintenance and repair requirements.
124 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Performance Budget Information
PERFORMANCE BUDGET APPENDIX: INFORMATION ON KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
This section explains the main Uyghur, and Tibetan) and for the performance indicators that BBG has countries served by the BBG that were used historically, and the verification surveyed within the past five years. It is and validation of these indicators. The based upon the measurement of the performance goals contained in this “regular listening audience,” a statistical annual performance plan use these standard long used to report indicators, along with new milestones international radio audience reach. and indicators. BBG will continue to Regular listening or viewing audience refine these indicators and develop (radio, TV or Internet) has over the years appropriate verification and validation been consistently defined as all adults procedures for them. A full description listening or viewing at least once a of all BBG performance indicators can week, as determined by an audience be found in the Agency’s Performance survey that has an adequately designed and Accountability Report (PAR), sample. BBG does not conduct surveys available on the BBG website in every country every year, so reach (www.bbg.gov). figures may in some cases reflect weekly reach measures collected from up to Measured Weekly Audience: This five years in the past. This may result in indicator measures the number of an over or underestimation of actual people in target areas listening to or reach. Additionally, political volatility in viewing BBG programming or online certain markets may prevent the materials in the past week. The measure measurement of current reach for is obtained for each language service services broadcasting to these areas, (except Spanish-to-Cuba, Korean, such as in the case of Syria. All of the following indicators marked n In some markets where data is with an asterisk () are based on a subset between 2 and 5 years old, the of surveyed markets. This is due to one question may not have yet been part of the following reasons: of the standard questionnaire.
n Furthermore, the scores presented in n The weekly audience was too small this section are simple averages of for analysis (n < 50). all such scores obtained by an entity. n The question was not asked due to In the future, the BBG will move space limitations. This is mainly the towards a weighted average that case in cases where BBG buys space takes audience size by market into on third party surveys, and in some account when calculating the instances where BBG needs uses average in order to provide a more phone rather than face-to-face meaningful score. interviews (the former require a
shorter questionnaire.)
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Program Credibility*: This indicator is it is available elsewhere, Some of it is determined by the survey question available elsewhere, Very little of it is about trustworthiness of news and available elsewhere, None of it is information of those sampled available elsewhere. The unique respondents who listened to or viewed information indicator measures the each station at least once a week. The percent of those answering the question answers are registered on a four-point in the survey who chose “very little” or scale – Trust a great deal, Trust it “none.” somewhat, Do not trust it very much, Do not trust it at all. The credibility index is Proxy traffic: Proxy traffic through the percent of those answering the Ultrasurf measures the volume of question in the survey (excluding those Internet traffic through the Ultrasurf, a who did not respond or did not know) BBG-supported proxy tool for who endorsed trust a great deal or circumventing Internet censorship. somewhat. Credibility estimates are not Proxy traffic through Psiphon measures included for countries where the the volume of Internet traffic through number of regular the Psiphon, a BBG-supported proxy tool listeners/viewers/online users is so small for circumventing Internet censorship. (n = <50) that the estimate is unreliable. Satellite Internet Traffic to Cuba measures the volume of Internet traffic Understanding of current events*: This through BBG’s satellite Internet link to indicator is determined by the survey Cuba. Number of messages sent via question asking weekly Piramideo measures traffic through listeners/viewers/online users of OCB’s social networking tool, Piramideo. [language] whether the broadcasts have “increased their understanding of Average weekly visits: This indicator current events.” The answers are measures the number of visits to BBG registered on a four-point scale – a websites and mobile sites over a 52 great deal, somewhat, very little, or not week period and creates an average at all. The understanding indicator based on 52 weeks of data coinciding measures the percent of those with the fiscal year. This indicator does answering the question in the survey not measure visits to social media sites (excluding those who did not respond or such as Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. did not know) who chose “a great deal” Affiliations: Affiliates are a primary or “somewhat.” gatekeeper between the BBG networks Uniqueness*: This indicator is and their end users – the audiences that determined by the survey question listen, watch, and read their content asking weekly listeners/viewers/online online, on mobile and by broadcast users of any language how much of the outlets. Counting the number of information provided by the entity is affiliates, then, offers a measure of the also available from other sources on the appeal of the programming to these vital radio, TV, or Internet. The answers are gatekeepers and distributors of the BBG registered on a four-point scale – All of networks’ content. As shortwave usage wanes in parts of the world, the
126 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Performance Budget Information
importance of affiliations with local language whether the broadcasts have medium wave and FM radio and “increased their understanding of U.S. television stations grows. With the foreign policy.” The answers are growth of digital and mobile technology, registered on a four-point scale – a there are new forms of affiliations, great deal, somewhat, very little, or not including online and mobile. In FY 2013, at all. The understanding indicator the BBG changed its methodology for measures the percent of those counting affiliates. This stemmed, in answering the question in the survey part, from an upgrade to its affiliate (excluding those who did not respond or database to promote better did not know) who chose “a great deal” communication with affiliates, as well as or “somewhat.” the growing importance of digital outlets. Where previously only high Digital Engagement Impact Index: This impact, high quality radio and TV indicator measures the total number of affiliates with signed contracts were engagement actions on currently tallied, the affiliation indicator now measurable platforms, currently counts all stations or outlets that Facebook and Twitter. Engagement regularly retransmit content from BBG actions include measurable actions that networks. demonstrate an activity beyond just consuming content: liking or favoriting a Understanding of American Society*: BBG post, commenting on a BBG post, This indicator is determined by the sharing a BBG post, @mentioning a BBG survey question asking weekly account (Twitter only), liking or listeners/viewers/online users of a BBG following a BBG account or profile. entity’s broadcasts in a particular language whether the broadcasts have Sharing of programming*: This indicator “increased their understanding of is determined by the survey question American society.” The answers are asking weekly listeners/viewers/online registered on a four-point scale – a users in any language how often they great deal, somewhat, very little, or not share news that they have heard, seen, at all. The understanding indicator or read from a BBG entity with friends or measures the percent of those relatives, or with their social network. answering the question in the survey The answers are registered on a five- (excluding those who did not respond or point range – Daily or most days per did not know) who chose “a great deal” week, At least once a week, At least or “somewhat.” once a month, Less than once a month, Never. The sharing indicator measures Understanding of U.S. Foreign Policy*: the percent of those answering the This indicator is determined by the question in the survey who chose “Daily survey question asking weekly or most days per week” or “At least once listeners/viewers/online users of a BBG a week.” entity’s broadcasts in a particular
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 127
VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF INDICATORS
The performance indicators are a best The standards of the Conference of effort to measure each broadcast International Broadcasting Audience network’s level of performance and Researchers and other standards-setting effectiveness. To achieve maximum organizations are followed for the objectivity, measurements are design and conduct of sample surveys. performed independently of the A technical report is produced for every elements being evaluated. VOA, OCB, survey, which describes the sampling RFE/RL, RFA and MBN audience research plan, the problems encountered in the is carried out by an outside research field, and the methods of resolution. contractor, currently Gallup. The These standards are being improved to appropriate network research director allow computation of margins of error computes network-wide performance that will include design effects, where values, and sends them to the BBG feasible. research manager for verification.
128 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix A: Budget Charts
Appendix Attachment A: Budget Charts
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 129
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Voice of America (VOA) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands)
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Voice of America Actuals Progam Plan Request
VOA Director1 $ 8,358 $ 16,533 $ 9,259
Associate Director, Operations Associate Director of Operations $ 4,492 $ 3,168 $ 3,214 Central Production Services Division $ 12,678 $ 10,612 $ 9,278 Radio and Multimedia Operations $ 528 $ 1,729 Operations Support Division $ 20,339 $ 20,999 $ 23,137 Technical Support Division $ 9,380 $ 8,582 $ 7,688 Total, Associate Director, Operations $ 47,417 $ 45,090 $ 43,317
Associate Director, Language Programming $ 5,563 $ 5,511 $ 5,794
Africa Division Division Chief $ 2,342 $ 3,409 $ 4,783 Bambara Service $ 96 $ 297 $ 305 Central Africa (Kinyarwanda, Kirundi) $ 1,127 $ 1,207 $ 1,290 French To Africa Service $ 3,156 $ 3,675 $ 4,368 French to Trans Sahel / Central African Republic $ 16 $ 370 $ - Hausa Service $ 2,785 $ 2,342 $ 2,826 Horn Of Africa (Amharic, Tigrigna, Afaan Oromoo) $ 2,347 $ 2,084 $ 2,355 Lingala Service $ - $ - $ - Portuguese Service $ 1,151 $ 1,619 $ 1,613 Somali Service $ 1,401 $ 1,528 $ 1,964 Swahili Service $ 1,367 $ 1,599 $ 1,674 Zimbabwe/Shona/Ndebele/English $ 867 $ 597 $ 982 Total, Africa Division $ 16,655 $ 18,727 $ 22,160
East Asia & Pacific Division Division Chief $ 2,173 $ 1,252 $ 1,213 Burmese Service $ 3,004 $ 2,514 $ 3,139 Cantonese Service $ 1,101 $ 1,030 $ 1,173 Indonesian Service $ 5,939 $ 5,176 $ 6,103 Khmer Service $ 2,096 $ 2,134 $ 2,390 Korean Service $ 2,862 $ 2,619 $ 2,889 Lao Service $ 809 $ 670 $ 746 Mandarin Service $ 12,131 $ 10,994 $ 12,454 Thai Service $ 787 $ 896 $ 911 Tibetan Service $ 3,577 $ 2,921 $ 3,305 Vietnamese Service $ 1,689 $ 1,903 $ 2,215 Total, East Asia & Pacific Division $ 36,168 $ 32,109 $ 36,538
Eurasia Division Division Chief $ 1,063 $ 994 $ 2,772 Albanian Service $ 1,595 $ 1,219 $ 1,338 Armenian Service $ 425 $ 524 $ 539 Bosnian Service $ 813 $ 771 $ 826 Georgian Service $ 565 $ 431 $ 594 Greek Service $ 185 $ - $ - Macedonian Service $ 322 $ 306 $ 348 Russian Service $ 3,764 $ 5,346 $ 7,217 Serbian Service $ 1,233 $ 1,125 $ 1,233 Ukrainian Service $ 1,920 $ 1,683 $ 2,577 Total, Eurasia Division $ 11,885 $ 12,399 $ 17,444
Latin America Division Division Chief $ 565 $ 562 $ 557 Creole Service $ 1,198 $ 1,190 $ 1,153 Spanish Service $ 2,834 ($Continued 2,900 on$ next 3,067 page) Production Unit $ 466 $ 425 $ 545 Total, Latin America Division $ 5,063 $ 5,077 $ 5,322 130 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request South Asia Division Division Chief (South Asia + NECA) $ 3,026 $ 3,060 $ 2,861 Afghanistan Service $ 1,909 $ 1,852 $ 2,551 Dari $ 2,395 $ 2,272 $ 2,772 Pashto $ 2,580 $ 2,308 $ 2,617 VOA Radio Deewa (Pashto)2,3 $ 2,732 $ 4,842 $ 2,869 Azerbaijani Service $ 669 $ 650 $ 662 Bangla Service $ 1,185 $ 1,159 $ 1,524 Kurdish Service2,3 $ 2,478 $ 2,688 $ 3,249 Turkish Service2,3 $ 1,606 $ 2,464 $ 2,104 Urdu Service $ 3,154 $ 4,382 $ 5,626 Uzbek Service $ 669 $ 680 $ 690 Total, South Asia Division $ 22,403 $ 26,357 $ 27,525
VOA Persian $ 13,956 $ 13,511 $ 13,501
English Division Division Chief $ 1,067 $ 759 $ 624 English To Africa Service $ 4,195 $ 4,409 $ 4,442 All other programs $ 11,529 $ 8,548 $ 8,964 Total, English Division $ 16,791 $ 13,716 $ 14,030
Central News VOA Central News $ 17,327 $ 21,138 $ 21,096 Home Leave & Transfer (HLT) $ - $ 212 $ 207 Total, Central News $ 17,327 $ 21,350 $ 21,303
Domestic Bureaus Houston $ 194 $ 182 $ 192 Los Angeles $ 275 $ 292 $ 315 New York $ 887 $ 816 $ 836 Total, Domestic Bureaus $ 1,356 $ 1,290 $ 1,343
Overseas Bureaus and News Centers Bangkok $ 890 $ 1,028 $ 771 Beijing $ 762 $ 671 $ 807 Cairo $ 340 $ 392 $ 370 Dakar $ 237 $ 151 $ 152 Hong Kong $ 243 $ 151 $ 261 Islamabad $ 379 $ 362 $ 394 Jakarta $ 328 $ 295 $ 292 Jerusalem $ 426 $ - $ - Johannesburg $ 698 $ 706 $ 741 London $ 1,856 $ 1,770 $ 1,783 Moscow $ 358 $ 357 $ 369 Nairobi $ 370 $ 404 $ 402 New Delhi $ - $ - $ - Seoul $ 550 $ 554 $ 534 Total, Overseas Bureaus $ 7,437 $ 6,841 $ 6,876
TOTAL, Voice of America $ 210,379 $ 218,511 $ 224,412 1 Includes: $9.9M in FY 16 for VOA Contractor costs for consolidated contract 2 Includes: $5.0M in FY 14/15 & 15/16 OCO actual expenditures in FY 15 3 Includes: $4.8M in FY 16 for Deewa, Turkish and Kurdish The Broadcasting Board of Governors Voice of America (VOA) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands)
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Voice of America Actuals Progam Plan Request
VOA Director1 $ 8,358 $ 16,533 $ 9,259
Associate Director, Operations Associate Director of Operations $ 4,492 $ 3,168 $ 3,214 Central Production Services Division $ 12,678 $ 10,612 $ 9,278 Radio and Multimedia Operations $ 528 $ 1,729 Operations Support Division $ 20,339 $ 20,999 $ 23,137 Technical Support Division $ 9,380 $ 8,582 $ 7,688 Total, Associate Director, Operations $ 47,417 $ 45,090 $ 43,317
Associate Director, Language Programming $ 5,563 $ 5,511 $ 5,794
Africa Division Division Chief $ 2,342 $ 3,409 $ 4,783 Bambara Service $ 96 $ 297 $ 305 Central Africa (Kinyarwanda, Kirundi) $ 1,127 $ 1,207 $ 1,290 French To Africa Service $ 3,156 $ 3,675 $ 4,368 French to Trans Sahel / Central African Republic $ 16 $ 370 $ - Hausa Service $ 2,785 $ 2,342 $ 2,826 Horn Of Africa (Amharic, Tigrigna, Afaan Oromoo) $ 2,347 $ 2,084 $ 2,355 Lingala Service $ - $ - $ - Portuguese Service $ 1,151 $ 1,619 $ 1,613 Somali Service $ 1,401 $ 1,528 $ 1,964 Swahili Service $ 1,367 $ 1,599 $ 1,674 Zimbabwe/Shona/Ndebele/English $ 867 $ 597 $ 982 Total, Africa Division $ 16,655 $ 18,727 $ 22,160
East Asia & Pacific Division Division Chief $ 2,173 $ 1,252 $ 1,213 Burmese Service $ 3,004 $ 2,514 $ 3,139 Cantonese Service $ 1,101 $ 1,030 $ 1,173 Indonesian Service $ 5,939 $ 5,176 $ 6,103 Khmer Service $ 2,096 $ 2,134 $ 2,390 Korean Service $ 2,862 $ 2,619 $ 2,889 Lao Service $ 809 $ 670 $ 746 Mandarin Service $ 12,131 $ 10,994 $ 12,454 Thai Service $ 787 $ 896 $ 911 Tibetan Service $ 3,577 $ 2,921 $ 3,305 Vietnamese Service $ 1,689 $ 1,903 $ 2,215 Total, East Asia & Pacific Division $ 36,168 $ 32,109 $ 36,538
Eurasia Division Division Chief $ 1,063 $ 994 $ 2,772 Albanian Service $ 1,595 $ 1,219 $ 1,338 Armenian Service $ 425 $ 524 $ 539 Bosnian Service $ 813 $ Appendix 771 $ A: Budget 826 Charts Georgian Service $ 565 $ 431 $ 594 Greek Service $ 185 $ - $ - Macedonian Service $ 322 $ 306 $ 348 Russian Service $ 3,764 $ 5,346 $ 7,217 Serbian Service $ 1,233 $ 1,125 $ 1,233 (ContinuedUkrainian fromService previous page) $ 1,920 $ 1,683 $ 2,577 Total, Eurasia Division $ 11,885 $ 12,399 $ 17,444
Latin America Division Division Chief $ 565 $ 562 $ 557 Creole Service $ 1,198 $ 1,190 $ 1,153 Spanish Service $ 2,834 $ 2,900 $ 3,067 Production Unit $ 466 $ 425 $ 545 Total, Latin America Division $ 5,063 $ 5,077 $ 5,322
South Asia Division Division Chief (South Asia + NECA) $ 3,026 $ 3,060 $ 2,861 Afghanistan Service $ 1,909 $ 1,852 $ 2,551 Dari $ 2,395 $ 2,272 $ 2,772 Pashto $ 2,580 $ 2,308 $ 2,617 VOA Radio Deewa (Pashto)2,3 $ 2,732 $ 4,842 $ 2,869 Azerbaijani Service $ 669 $ 650 $ 662 Bangla Service $ 1,185 $ 1,159 $ 1,524 Kurdish Service2,3 $ 2,478 $ 2,688 $ 3,249 Turkish Service2,3 $ 1,606 $ 2,464 $ 2,104 Urdu Service $ 3,154 $ 4,382 $ 5,626 Uzbek Service $ 669 $ 680 $ 690 Total, South Asia Division $ 22,403 $ 26,357 $ 27,525
VOA Persian $ 13,956 $ 13,511 $ 13,501
English Division Division Chief $ 1,067 $ 759 $ 624 English To Africa Service $ 4,195 $ 4,409 $ 4,442 All other programs $ 11,529 $ 8,548 $ 8,964 Total, English Division $ 16,791 $ 13,716 $ 14,030
Central News VOA Central News $ 17,327 $ 21,138 $ 21,096 Home Leave & Transfer (HLT) $ - $ 212 $ 207 Total, Central News $ 17,327 $ 21,350 $ 21,303
Domestic Bureaus Houston $ 194 $ 182 $ 192 Los Angeles $ 275 $ 292 $ 315 New York $ 887 $ 816 $ 836 Total, Domestic Bureaus $ 1,356 $ 1,290 $ 1,343
Overseas Bureaus and News Centers Bangkok $ 890 $ 1,028 $ 771 Beijing $ 762 $ 671 $ 807 Cairo $ 340 $ 392 $ 370 Dakar $ 237 $ 151 $ 152 Hong Kong $ 243 $ 151 $ 261 Islamabad $ 379 $ 362 $ 394 Jakarta $ 328 $ 295 $ 292 Jerusalem $ 426 $ - $ - Johannesburg $ 698 $ 706 $ 741 London $ 1,856 $ 1,770 $ 1,783 Moscow $ 358 $ 357 $ 369 Nairobi $ 370 $ 404 $ 402 New Delhi $ - $ - $ - Seoul $ 550 $ 554 $ 534 Total, Overseas Bureaus $ 7,437 $ 6,841 $ 6,876
TOTAL, Voice of America $ 210,379 $ 218,511 $ 224,412 1 Includes: $9.9M in FY 16 for VOA Contractor costs for consolidated contract 2 Includes: $5.0M in FY 14/15 & 15/16 OCO actual expenditures in FY 15 3 Includes: $4.8M in FY 16 for Deewa, Turkish and Kurdish
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The Broadcasting Board of Governors Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands)
FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2017 Office of Cuba Broadcasting Program Actuals Request Plan
OCB Directorate and Advisory Board $ 1,057 $ 1,126 $ 1,126 Administration $ 3,753 $ 3,916 $ 3,916 Radio Marti $ 5,394 $ 4,980 $ 4,980 New Media $ 1,025 $ 1,230 $ 1,230 Central News $ 4,493 $ 4,528 $ 4,528 TV Marti $ 5,637 $ 5,170 $ 5,170 Technical Operations $ 2,958 $ 2,775 $ 3,483 Greenville Transmitting Station $ 2,771 $ 2,908 $ 2,442 Computer Services $ 982 $ 973 $ 225
TOTAL, Office of Cuba Broadcasting $ 28,070 $ 27,606 $ 27,100
132 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix A: Budget Charts
The Broadcasting Board of Governors International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands) FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2017 International Broadcasting Bureau Program Actuals Request Plan
Director, International Broadcasting Bureau Total, Director, International Broadcasting Bureau $ 6,671 $ 4,500 $ 5,304
Office of Chief Financial Officer Total, Office of Chief Financial Officer $ 11,508 $ 10,645 $ 10,829
Office of Strategy and Development Total, Office of Strategy and Development $ 12,233 $ 13,813 $ 13,398
Office of Communications and External Affairs $ 1,654 $ 1,746 $ 1,746 Office of General Counsel $ 1,774 $ 1,999 $ 1,999 Office of Digital and Design Innovation $ 5,365 $ 4,816 $ 4,816 Office of Performance Review $ 2,057 $ 1,927 $ 1,927 Office of Research and Assessment $ 5,875 $ 6,347 $ 8,607 Office of Contracting and Procurement $ 3,228 $ 3,233 $ 3,233 Office of Human Resources $ 5,498 $ 5,447 $ 5,445 Office of Workforce Support and Development $ 1,581 $ 1,828 $ 1,830 Office of Civil Rights $ 945 $ 1,088 $ 1,088 Office of Policy $ 994 $ 914 $ 914 Office of Security $ 1,884 $ 1,957 $ 1,957 TOTAL, International Broadcasting Bureau $ 61,267 $ 60,260 $ 63,093
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 133
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation (TSI) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017
($ in thousands)
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation Actuals Program Plan Request
Technology, Services, and Innovation Director Director $ 215 $ 213 $ 219 OCB Salaries $ 1,116 Home Leave & Transfer (HLT) $ 215 $ 589 $ 375 Total, Technology Services and Innovation Director $ 1,546 $ 802 $ 594
Office of the CIO $ 7,986 $ 8,305 $ 7,706 Internet Freedom; Anti-Censorship $ 13,198 $ 15,000 $ 12,500 Global Networks Division $ 6,198 $ 5,599 $ 6,887 Satellites $ 20,620 $ 21,266 $ 18,701 Total, Office of the CIO $ 48,002 $ 50,170 $ 45,794
Resource Directorate $ 2,602 $ 2,633 $ 2,933 Project Management $ 1,224 $ 1,072 $ 1,273 Facilities Management $ 35,152 $ 35,598 $ 40,991 Total, Resource Directorate $ 38,978 $ 39,303 $ 45,197
Information Technology Directorate $ 14,410 $ 12,668 $ 15,070 Technology Support Directorate $ 9,649 $ 8,929 $ 9,880 Engineering and Transmission Directorate $ 178 $ 181 $ 181 Broadcast Technologies Division $ 2,467 $ 2,098 $ 2,695
Operations Division $ 1,973 $ 1,860 $ 2,298 Leased Transmissions $ 7,051 $ 7,507 $ 6,351 FM Transmissions $ 549 $ 1,010 $ 10,338 Worldwide Procurement (WWP) $ 4,136 $ 2,961 $ 4,170 Total, Operations Division $ 13,709 $ 13,338 $ 23,157
Stations Division Domestic Transmitting Stations Tinian $ 4,445 $ 6,199 $ 6,730 Total, Domestic Stations $ 4,445 $ 6,199 $ 6,730 Overseas Transmitting Stations Afghanistan $ 4,129 $ 3,491 $ 2,580 Botswana $ 2,031 $ 2,244 $ 2,340 Germany $ 11,655 $ 12,025 $ 12,840 Kuwait $ 11,797 $ 12,382 $ 4,724 Philippines $ 6,353 $ 6,108 $ 4,601 Sao Tome $ 4,440 $ 4,291 $ 4,282 Sri Lanka $ 2,392 $ 2,868 $ 2,861 Thailand $ 3,437 $ 3,315 $ 3,386 Network Realignment Reduction $ (5,700) Total, Overseas Stations $ 46,234 $ 46,724 $ 31,914
Monitoring Offices $ 993 $ 949 $ 1,088 TOTAL, Office of Technology, Services, and Innovation $ 180,611 $ 181,361 $ 182,300
134 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix A: Budget Charts
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017
($ in thousands)
FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2017 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Program Actuals Request Plan
Programming Division Director $ 2,192 $ 2,146 $ 2,149 Digital Response Team $ 202 Multimedia Strategy, Development and Training $ 1,516 $ 1,741 $ 2,444 Marketing & Affiliates $ 747 $ 1,299 $ 1,399
Language Services Armenian $ 1,659 $ 1,794 $ 1,996 Azerbaijani $ 1,868 $ 2,074 $ 1,577 Balkans (Bosnian, Macedonian, Serbian, Albanian, Montenegrin, Croatian) $ 4,296 $ 4,534 $ 4,000 Belarusian $ 2,403 $ 2,439 $ 2,442 Georgian $ 2,070 $ 2,141 $ 2,694 Kazakh $ 1,552 $ 1,702 $ 2,454 Kyrgyz $ 1,710 $ 1,756 $ 2,258 Radio Farda (Persian) $ 7,434 $ 8,093 $ 8,078 Radio Free Afghanistan (Dari and Pashto) $ 5,190 $ 5,240 $ 5,098 Radio Free Iraq (Arabic) $ 2,045 Radio Mashaal (Pashto) $ 3,190 $ 3,288 $ 3,294 Regional Programming $ 1,369 $ 6,737 $ 13,411 Romanian to Moldova $ 1,739 $ 1,734 $ 2,035 Russian $ 6,896 $ 7,701 $ 8,498 North Caucasus Unit (Avar, Chechen and Circassian) $ 1,320 $ 1,335 $ 1,554 Tajik $ 1,603 $ 1,766 $ 2,519 Tatar-Bashkir $ 846 $ 1,003 $ 1,113 Turkmen $ 617 $ 745 $ 1,496 Ukrainian $ 3,264 $ 3,201 $ 3,203 Uzbek $ 1,490 $ 1,597 $ 2,350 News and Current Affairs $ 5,700 $ 5,602 $ 5,270 Total, Programming Division $ 62,918 $ 69,668 $ 81,332
Office of President $ 4,578 $ 4,745 $ 4,644 Technology Division $ 24,276 $ 27,628 $ 28,752 Finance Division $ 3,447 $ 6,573 $ 6,410
Balances In/Recoveries Balances Out $ 6,509 Transfers to Buying Power Maintenance Fund $ 2,214 Istanbul Bureau Investment $ - $ - TOTAL, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) $ 103,942 $ 108,614 $ 121,138
*NOTE: Radio Free Iraq (RFI) has shifted to MBN in the FY 2015 Program Plan. Funding was $2.089M – FY 2014 and $1.0M – FY 2015
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 135
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Radio Free Asia (RFA) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands)
FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2017 Radio Free Asia Program Actuals Request Plan
Programming Division Executive Editor $ 2,818 $ 2,897 $ 2,764
Program Services Burmese Service $ 1,820 $ 1,943 $ 1,886 Cambodian Service $ 815 $ 1,003 $ 976 Cantonese Service $ 1,079 $ 1,088 $ 1,089 Korean Service $ 2,338 $ 2,476 $ 2,429 Laotian Service $ 1,134 $ 1,197 $ 1,219 Mandarin Service $ 4,696 $ 4,897 $ 4,820 Tibetan Service $ 4,059 $ 4,221 $ 4,126 Uyghur Service $ 1,229 $ 1,339 $ 1,321 Vietnamese Service $ 1,639 $ 1,639 $ 1,668
Program Offices Bangkok Office $ 223 $ 131 $ 131 Dharamsala Office $ 28 $ 15 $ 16 Hong Kong Office $ 445 $ 479 $ 482 Phnom Penh Office $ 602 $ 435 $ 438 Rangoon Office $ 463 $ 425 Seoul Office $ 445 $ 482 $ 479 Taipei Office $ 117 $ 127 $ 137 Yangon $ 501 Total, Programming Division $ 23,988 $ 24,832 $ 24,406
Office of the President $ 725 $ 823 $ 778 Pilot Project - CVE $ 158 Research, Training, and Evaluation $ 481 $ 510 $ 486 Open Technology Fund $ 6,531 Technical Operations $ 6,907 $ 6,568 $ 6,213 Less Seagull Transmitter $ (250) HQ Facilities $ 3,572 $ 3,784 $ 3,836 Communications $ 301 $ 305 $ 324 Finance $ 1,527 $ 1,682 $ 1,699 Human Resources $ 296 $ 261 $ 258
Balances/Recoveries OTF FY2014 No-Year Funds $ (2,557) Balances/Recoveries FY2015 RFA Carryover $ 550 Balances/Recoveries OTF FY2015 OTF No-Year Funds $ 1
TOTAL, Radio Free Asia $ 42,230 $ 38,765 $ 38,000
136 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix A: Budget Charts
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017
($ in thousands)
FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. Actuals Program Plan Request
Programming Alhurra $ 27,335 $ 31,027 $ 28,700 Alhurra Iraq $ 4,431 $ 4,032 $ 4,030 Radio Sawa $ 8,930 $ 8,667 $ 7,114 MBN Digital $ 2,765 $ 598 $ 573 Afia Darfur $ 568 $ 9,764 $ 10,871 Total, Programming $ 44,029 $ 54,088 $ 51,288
Overseas Offices Baghdad Bureau $ 4,984 $ 5,664 $ 5,714 Erbil $ 682 $ 671 $ 679 Beirut Production Center $ 4,321 $ 4,260 $ 4,286 Cairo Bureau $ 3,092 $ 4,009 $ 2,612 Dubai Production Center $ 6,922 $ 6,981 $ 7,057 Jerusalem Production Center $ 2,371 $ 2,442 $ 2,464 Rabat $ 418 $ 1,296 $ 1,169 Tunis $ 193 $ 194 Tripoli Maghreb #3 Benghazi Maghreb #4 Investment UAE Bureau Total, Overseas Offices $ 22,790 $ 25,516 $ 24,175
Technical Operations $ 23,721 $ 22,123 $ 22,109 Administration $ 11,784 $ 11,979 $ 11,643 Creative Services $ 2,447 $ 2,493 $ 2,491 Communications $ 404 $ 394 $ 394
Balances In - Recoveries $ (560) $ (2,130) Balances In-Base $ 2,738 $ (2,738) Balances In - OCO $ 2,055 $ (2,055) TOTAL, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. $ 109,408 $ 109,670 $ 112,100
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 137
The Broadcasting Board of Governors Broadcasting Capital Improvements (BCI) Summary of Appropriated Funds FY 2015 - FY 2017 ($ in thousands)
FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2017 Broadcasting Capital Improvements Program Actuals Request Plan
Maintenance, Improvements, Replace and Repair (MIRR) Continuing M&R $ 2,458 $ 2,068 $ 2,068 VOA TV M&R $ 500 $ 573 $ 573 Security M&R $ 375 $ 542 $ 542 HVAC System M&R $ 551 $ 515 $ 515 Office of Cuba Broadcasting $ 387 $ 133 $ 483
Upgrade of Existing Facilities Projects $ 1,932 Kuwait Transmitting Continued Expansion $ 4,550
Satellites Satellite & Terrestrial Program Feeds $ 1,797 $ 969 $ 969 TOTAL, Broadcasting Capital Improvements $ 8,000 $ 4,800 $ 9,700
138 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix A: Budget Charts
Broadcasting Board of Governors Funding from Outside Sources FY 2015 - FY 2017
FY 2015/16 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2015 CARRYOVER FUNDS FUNDS TOTALS Funds Source ACTUALS FUNDS (estimated) (estimated)
USAID $ 478,398 $ 250,000 $ 728,398 Department of State $ 470,900 $ 1,022,571 $ 1,345,000 $ 500,000 $ 3,338,471 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) $ 292,410 $ 500,000 $ 250,000 $ 1,042,410 DoD/Pacific Command $ 1,200,000 $ 200,000 $ 1,400,000 BBG TOTAL $ 1,963,310 $ 1,500,969 $ 2,045,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 6,509,279
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 139
140 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix B: Impact Model
Appendix Attachment B: Impact Model
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 141
142 Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request
Appendix B: Impact Model
Broadcasting Board of Governors | FY 2017 Congressional Budget Request 143
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