April 11, 2012
CUSIB Applauds Annette Lantos’ Plea to Save Voice of America (VOA) Services
The Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB) is honored to learn that Annette Lantos, the wife of the late Congressman Tom Lantos, has joined efforts to oppose the Broadcasting Board of Governors’ (BBG) proposals to cut Voice of America (VOA) services.
Mrs. Lantos’s April 4, 2012 letter to the BBG begins:  “I write in support of Voice of America radio and television broadcasting, particularly to China, Tibet and Russia. In addition, I write in support of the efforts of the Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting. The CUSIB works to ensure that U.S. government-funded broadcasts promote respect for human rights and freedom of the press, especially in nations where these basic freedoms are under attack.”
Annette Lantos is the Chairman of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. Click here for more information about Mrs. Lantos’ pro-human rights activities.
CUSIB Executive Director Ann Noonan stated: “Mrs. Lantos’ letter to the Broadcasting Board of Governors has given all of us at the Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting a tremendous boost.  We will continue our efforts and remain vigilant to maintain Voice of American radio and television broadcast services that the BBG seeks to eliminate.  We are hopeful that Mrs. Lantos’ words will be appreciated by the BBG and also read by Members of Congress so they will reconsider the ramifications that the proposed BBG cuts will have for real people in need.”
CUSIB Director and Co-Founder Ted Lipien stated: “Mrs. Lantos has become a true champion of the Voice of America during their 70th Anniversary.  On behalf of those who rely upon VOA news and risk their lives for basic human rights, freedom, and the right to participate in governing themselves, and on behalf of all VOA journalists whose jobs are at risk by BBG cuts, we are grateful to Mrs. Lantos for insisting that the BBG take measures to save VOA services.”
To read the entire letter by Annette Lantos click here.
The Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB) is an independent, nongovernmental organization which supports free flow of uncensored news from the United States to countries without free media.
For further information, please contact:
The Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB)
New York, New York
Ann Noonan, co-founder and Executive Director
Tel. 646-251-6069
Ted Lipien, co-founder and Director
Tel. 415-793-1642
Email: contact@cusib.org
www.cusib.org