Voice of America

the division of the United States Information Agency that broadcasts daily programs of news and entertainment throughout the world. Abbr.: VOA, V.O.A.

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Radio broadcasting network of the U.S. government.

Its function is to promote understanding of the U.S. and spread democratic values. Its daily broadcasts include news reports, editorials, and discussions of U.S. political and cultural events. Its first broadcast, in German, took place in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda. By the end of World War II, it was broadcasting 3,200 programs in 40 languages every week. During the Cold War it focused its message at the communist countries of eastern and central Europe. It became part of the U.S. Information Agency when that agency was formed in 1953.

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▪ United States radio network

      radio broadcasting network of the U.S. government, a unit of the United States Information Agency (USIA). Its first broadcast, in German, took place on Feb. 24, 1942, and was intended to counter Nazi propaganda among the German people. By the time World War II ended, the VOA was broadcasting 3,200 programs in 40 languages every week. It became part of the USIA when that agency was established in 1953.

      The VOA's function is to promote understanding of the United States and to spread American values. During the Cold War it concentrated its message at the communist countries of eastern and central Europe. Its daily broadcasts include news reports, stories and discussions on American political and cultural events, and editorials setting forth U.S. government policy. The VOA produces and broadcasts radio programs in English and foreign languages and operates broadcasting and relay stations to transmit them.

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