Sarah Rogers, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, appeared before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on the 30th, discussing her encounters with North Korean defectors in Seoul during her trip in April. She remarked, “I saw the impact of free information in a restricted society.” U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Rogers to head the Global Media Bureau (USAGM), which manages media organizations like Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and more. Rogers, a legal professional with significant experience in First Amendment (freedom of expression) matters, has repeatedly highlighted “freedom of expression,” including condemning the Democratic Party of Korea-led amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act as “against censorship.”
In her initial comments, Rogers stated, “The defectors I encountered in Seoul mentioned that pieces of U.S. news were their first hints of an alternative way of living. These defectors faced torture and death to flee and seek the freedom they had only heard about.” She further noted, “Conveying the truth is the main purpose of USAGM. Free individuals typically opt for the U.S., and the truth liberates people.” Although VOA and similar platforms are U.S. government-backed propaganda channels, they have traditionally provided the global community with information regarding internal conditions and human rights violations in North Korea and China. Numerous defectors have reported that VOA and RFA broadcasts played a crucial role in their decision to defect.
Last year, Trump issued an executive order aimed at reducing the size and scope of USAGM, leading to temporary interruptions in the operations of VOA and RFA. Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen stated that U.S. popularity has declined compared to China since Trump’s second term, saying, “When America needs to enhance its influence, the government has reduced its capabilities.” Rogers mentioned, “China invests roughly 40 billion dollars (approximately 56 trillion Korean won) in propaganda and influence efforts. However, the U.S. still prevails in the battle for public information. When given a choice, people tend to prefer the U.S. over China.” If approved by the Senate, Rogers will hold the positions of Under Secretary and USAGM director simultaneously. Republican Senator Ted Cruz remarked, “Her leadership is essential.”
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