USAGM orders audit amid RFA equipment fire sale
Radio Free Asia, a U.S.-funded broadcaster receiving about $60 million annually, listed more than 1,000 pieces of broadcast equipment for sale on a public auction site for pennies on the dollar after suspending operations during the shutdown. After RFA blamed funding disruptions, U.S. Agency for Global Media deputy executive Kari Lake disputed that claim, said RFA has received all appropriated funds, and ordered auditors to visit RFA next week; Rep. Darrell Issa called the liquidation a betrayal of taxpayers.
Government Oversight and Audits
U.S.-Funded Media
📌 Key Facts
- RFA auctioned HD cameras, lenses, teleprompters and office gear on Rasmus Auctions, with some items listed for $0.20–$0.90.
- RFA cited the administration’s funding disruption and the shutdown; USAGM’s Kari Lake said, “We’ve given them every single penny appropriated,” and ordered an audit.
- Rep. Darrell Issa criticized the sales and said he had been working to restore RFA’s funding.