Kari Lake, a former journalist turned politician, is making waves with her bold vision to reform American media as she steps into her new role as Director of Voice of America (VOA).
In a now-viral video, Lake can be seen addressing supporters with a fiery statement about her pet project tackling “fake news.”
She emphasised her commitment to rooting out dishonesty in the press, saying, “Take a long, hard look at the FCC licenses that these people have. We give them those licenses, and they lie to us. We’re tired of it. The days of fake news are numbered.”
Lake further expressed her desire to shift FCC licenses from outlets she claims spread misinformation to organisations that would prioritise honesty and accountability.
“We’re going to get some real journalists once again,” she declared, rallying supporters with her pledge to overhaul media norms in the United States.
Lake’s appointment by President-elect Donald Trump to lead VOA comes amidst significant controversy. A vocal critic of the mainstream press, she has repeatedly attacked media credibility, labelling journalists as “monsters” and advocating for a return to unbiased reporting.
As per the BBC, Lake has a history of clashing with reporters, often accusing them of propagating lies. Her rhetoric aligns with Trump’s past critiques of VOA and other media outlets during his first administration.
VOA, a federally funded broadcaster reaching over 326 million people weekly, has operated under a “firewall” since 1994 to protect its editorial independence. However, Lake’s proposed reforms and her focus on “fake news” have sparked concerns about the potential politicisation of this historically impartial institution.
Lake’s critics argue that her combative stance against the press could undermine journalistic freedom, a cornerstone of VOA’s mission.
According to AP, experts like Professor Quardricos Driskell have raised alarms over Lake’s past remarks, noting that her appointment could mark a shift in how VOA operates globally.
Despite the backlash, Lake appears undeterred. On her social media platform, she thanked Trump for entrusting her with the role and reiterated her commitment to “chronicling America’s achievements worldwide.”
