Number: 97-52
Title: Radio Free Asia: Background, Funding, and Policy Issues
Authors: Susan B. Epstein, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: In response to some Asian countries' human rights violations and to promote democracy in countries such as China and North Korea, the Administration and the 103rd Congress agreed that the United States should increase broadcasting to this part of the world. For FY2000, the President's budget request for Radio Free Asia and the Senate appropriation (S. 1217) are $23 million. On October 1, 1999, as a result of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, the Broadcasting Board of Governors will become an independent agency in order to maintain its journalistic integrity while the rest of USIA will merge into the Department of State.
Pages: 6
Date: July 21, 1999