A U.S. government-funded nonprofit, Radio Free Asia (RFA), has come under fire for selling significant broadcasting equipment at extremely low prices. The organization, relying on approximately $60 million annually from American taxpayers, is facing scrutiny following its decision to auction off major broadcasting assets.
Background on Radio Free Asia
Radio Free Asia is designed to provide independent news in Asian countries where press freedom is limited. Currently, the organization has halted its operations due to financial issues linked to ongoing government funding problems.
Equipment Auction and Public Outrage
While operations were suspended, RFA began listing its equipment on Rasmus Auctions, a public auction site. Items include:
- HD cameras priced as low as 10 cents
- Teleprompters selling for as little as 40 cents
- Professional lenses for under a dollar
- Refrigerators listed for as little as 20 cents
The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from California Congressman Darrell Issa. He described the auctioning of high-value equipment for mere pennies as a betrayal of taxpayer trust.
Statements from Officials
Congressman Issa expressed disbelief over RFA’s actions, noting the organization is fully funded by taxpayers. He stated, “Lenses you’d pay thousands of dollars for are being sold for pennies,” suggesting that the liquidating efforts may stem from dissatisfaction with past government budgets.
An RFA spokesperson attributed the auction to funding disruptions and the need to make painful financial decisions to position the organization for long-term viability.
Agency Response
Kari Lake, deputy executive at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees RFA, strongly disputed the organization’s claims, asserting they’ve been fully funded. She expressed concern regarding the sale prices of the equipment and promised an audit to investigate the situation further. Lake remarked, “Eighty cents for an HD camera? That’s a slap in the face to taxpayers.”
Future of Radio Free Asia
RFA remains hopeful that Congress will restore its funding, enabling it to resume operations. The organization claims it has sufficient resources to continue its editorial mission, focusing on holding authoritarian regimes accountable.
The ongoing controversies surrounding RFA raise significant questions about the management of taxpayer-funded organizations and their accountability in utilizing public funds effectively.
