Court protects Radio Liberty: Funding battle with USAGM begins

• A U.S. court has ordered the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to halt actions that could lead to the closure of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The court's decision is temporary and will remain in effect until the broadcaster's lawsuit is reviewed.
• The lawsuit against USAGM is to be reviewed in the coming weeks. Radio Liberty was informed in mid-March about the planned discontinuation of funding by the agency.
• USAGM has agreed to provide the broadcaster with part of the funds, and it is expected to receive $7.46 million in the near future. This amount will cover expenses for the period from March 1 to March 14.

A U.S. court has sided with Radio Liberty, which sued the U.S. Agency for Global Media to prevent the termination of federal funding. The court's decision means that USAGM cannot pursue actions aimed at closing the broadcaster, including terminating the grant agreement under which RFE/RL receives funds approved by Congress.

Judge Royce Lamberth emphasized that USAGM management "The leadership of USAGM cannot, with one sentence of reasoning offering virtually no explanation, force RFE/RL to shut down — even if the President has told them to do so." RFE/RL head Stephen Capus expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating it "prevents USAGM from ignoring the will of Congress." Capus expects further support for the broadcaster's stance, emphasizing that the refusal to allocate funds approved by Congress is unconstitutional.

On Monday, USAGM agreed to transfer part of the funds to Radio Liberty, which are expected to cover expenses for the period from March 1 to March 14. The broadcaster is expected to receive $7.46 million. The lawsuit against USAGM is to be reviewed in the coming weeks, which may affect the future of Radio Liberty's funding. The court's decision is crucial for the future of the broadcaster, which is trying to maintain its operations with federal funds.