Michael Pack
Source: US Senate
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty leaders criticized the Trump-appointed CEO of the United States federal media agency.
In a letter obtained by CNBC, network leaders criticized Michael Pack, head of the United States Agency for Global Media. Radio-Free Europe / Radio Liberty is considered a non-federal broadcast network, but is linked to the USAGM.
He shook the agency’s ranks and the leadership of its networks, installing loyal companions to President Donald Trump in important roles.
The letter includes criticism of Pack’s board members, who later approved Ted Lipien to become the CEO of Radio Free Europe.
“Defying long-standing practice, you have appointed a council of inexperienced supporters appointed with no industry or regional expertise – a council that you referred to yourself as a replacement council, and yet, apparently, you are looking to consolidate for two years or more “, the letter reads.
“You used this framework to briefly approve Ted Lipien, an untested and untested candidate with an often one-sided writing story about RFE / RL and other US international broadcasters,” he continues to say.
The Associated Press reported that Lipien, a former Voice of America employee, recently posted a blog post promoting the views of employees who oppose what they see as an alleged liberal bias and a lack of conservative views in their programming. Voice of America is under the umbrella of the USAGM.
The letter was signed by members of the Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty news division and editorial board, including the editor-in-chief and the heads of digital strategy. The letter is dated Wednesday and was also sent to congressional leaders, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Pack rejected the letter in a statement provided to CNBC.
“Ms. Sindelar’s letter is full of inaccuracies. There were no attempts to ‘compromise the [networks’] freedom of political influence. ‘On the contrary, all the actions I took were based on my responsibility and commitment mandated by Congress to fulfill the USAGM’s mission, “said Pack.
The letter indicates that Pack is unlikely to keep his job after President-elect Joe Biden takes office. Still, the letter suggests that newsroom leaders believe that Pack is still moving forward anyway, bringing in new leaders.
“We see these actions as a last-minute effort to secure control of RFE / RL for a single US political party at a time when his own management as CEO of US foreign broadcasting is likely to end with the transition between administrations in Washington “wrote the news leaders.
Pack, who has been in charge of the USAGM since June, has been criticized after repeated purges of longtime leaders on various networks under the agency.
Shortly after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Pack expelled agency heads and board members, only to indicate those with direct ties to Trump.
Representatives from USAGM and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty did not return requests for comment.