WASHINGTON, Apr 11 ― Publicly-funded US broadcaster Voice of America has rubbished criticism from the White House that it is promoting Chinese foreign propaganda” on the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on Friday, President Donald Trump’s administration claimed VOA pushed Beijing’s message by tweeting a video of celebrations at the end of Wuhan’s quarantine measures, and noting the US had surpassed China’s death toll.
“VOA too often speaks for America’s adversaries ― not its citizens,” the White House claimed, adding: “Journalists should report the facts, but VOA has instead amplified Beijing’s propaganda.”
At least 18,000 Americans have died from Covid-19, compared to about 3,000 Chinese nationals, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
VOA director Amanda Bennet pushed back at the criticism ― while not mentioning the Trump administration ― noting that the broadcaster had reported on China’s efforts to initially hide the coronavirus outbreak.
“VOA has thoroughly debunked much of the information coming from the Chinese government and government-controlled media,” she said in a statement.
The Committee to Protect Journalists also condemned the White House’s comments as “outrageous” and said they undermined VOA’s work around the world.
VOA is among several US media organizations ― including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times ― effectively banned from reporting in China by Beijing following its coverage of the outbreak. ― AFP