Kari Lake Strikes Deal for OAN to Provide News Content to Voice of America

Lake says the deal is cost-saving and good for taxpayers. Critics say it undermines VOA’s editorial independence.

Kari Lake speaks at a campaign event in Mesa, Ariz., on Sept. 4, 2024. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) will begin using content from broadcaster One America News Network (OAN).

Kari Lake, a former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and senior adviser to USAGM, unveiled the agreement in a May 6 statement, calling the OAN deal a taxpayer win. Under the deal, OAN will provide its video and news feed to USAGM’s networks—including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Martí, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting—free of charge.