The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) recently informed its workforce about sequestration cuts to Voice of America’s (VOA) shortwave and medium-wave broadcasting. Ironically, the Board is cutting the most cost-effective part of its organization: radio.

Voice of America (VOA) has launched a new SMS news service that will allow mobile phone users to get up-to-date VOA news headlines and emergency messages through three of its major mobile providers in the country.

The United States is working to counter violent extremism in Africa by providing an "alternative narrative" and "alternative scenarios," according to Under Secretary of State Tara Sonenshine.

Young people across Somalia can now discuss issues that matter the most to them on an interactive VOA radio program that focuses exclusively on youth-related subjects and ways to empower one of the largest segments of the Somali population.It’s Your Call, an hour-long VOA Somali Service program, tackles the topics that young people want to talk about, including jobs, education, and drug abuse.

Iskra Kirova also provided invaluable research support for this report.

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