330 Independence Avenue SW | Washington, DC 20237 | usagm.gov

July 8, 2020

The Honorable Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Leahy:

Thank you for your letter dated July 1, 2020 about the recent transition of leadership at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). I could not agree more: Our nation is at a critical moment in history, as countries such as , , and Iran are using the control of information as a weapon, restricting freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights. With America’s institutions and fundamental values under renewed attack by adversaries, we must redouble our efforts in the global war of ideas, and USAGM must be capable of leading the way.

The President, the American people, and the Senate asked me to make bold and meaningful changes. Indeed, throughout the confirmation process, and in the weeks since taking the helm, I made clear my commitment to fixing the widely-known management issues that have long beleaguered USAGM and, in turn, its institutions.

My objective as CEO of USAGM is to provide the leadership that achieves three main goals: making the agency more effective, including ramping up the impact of the broadcasting networks; ensuring that nothing interferes with the ability of the agency to report the news, and; improving agency morale. All actions that I have taken, pursuant to the authorities granted by Congress, have occurred with these goals in mind.

During the confirmation process, I pledged to respect and protect the independence of the USAGM journalists, and I stand by that pledge. I also wish to reiterate my firm commitment to honoring the VOA Charter and to supporting the missions of the other USAGM networks and our heroic journalists around the world. As an agency, through accurate and reliable reporting, we have to get the truth to those starved for it. We also need to relay the American experience, and we must further make clear to international audiences the universal principles enshrined in our founding documents that continue to drive our country’s democratic enterprise.

I greatly welcome a collaborative, constructive relationship with Congress to make sure that USAGM is performing as effectively as possible, particularly while my leadership team conducts a thorough review of the agency’s budget, operations, policies, procedures, and products. Given the many challenges we face around the globe and the critical function of USAGM, I especially appreciate the bipartisan interest in the agency.

I am eager to meet and work with you to discuss the strategic direction of the agency so that U.S. international broadcasting efforts advance human rights and the American national interest.

Should you have any questions in the meantime, please ask your staff to contact Adam Tracy, USAGM’s Congressional Liaison, at (202) 920-2591.

Sincerely,

Michael Pack Chief Executive Officer U.S. Agency for Global Media

Similar letters being sent to: Senator Susan M. Collins Senator Richard J. Durbin Senator Lindsey O. Graham Senator Senator Senator

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