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THREAD: Disappointed to leave @RFERL just as our reforms were starting to have an impact, but very proud.
Proud that audiences are growing in Russia despite new Kremlin restrictions; that the Iranian regime views @RadioFarda_ as its mortal enemy, and that authoritarians threaten and complain daily about @RFERL's journalism, because they fear its power https://bit.ly/30Y0qyb
@RFERL's adherence to the highest journalistic standards of objectivity and independence is critical to protecting free people and to liberating those who are not free now, just as it was for those working at the organization during the Cold War. https://bit.ly/2YP49vh
During my time @RFERL we did more investigative reporting and countered rampant disinfo across Eurasia. We launched a digital first strategy and were rewarded with triple digit increases in audience during the pandemic, and we increased coverage of China. https://bit.ly/311V4ll
But above all, I'm proud to have fought every attempt to pressure our journalists. From Russia-Tajikistan-Ukraine and everywhere in between, @RFERL management went to every length necessary to protect them if they or their families were under pressure. https://bit.ly/37PCVsn
This was a constant challenge but during my tenure @RFERL we saw two of our colleagues come home from imprisonment in eastern Ukraine and another released from home detention in occupied Crimea. And we buried three colleagues who paid the ultimate price. https://bit.ly/3hKXaMw
The U.S. cannot continue to fall behind China, Russia, or Iran in the info space. Our competitors are well funded and focused on repressing their citizens and undermining democratic govts everywhere. Our greatest weapon is our adherence to the truth and we should not discard it.
The brave men and women of @RFERL need clear and consistent leadership, funding, and support when they come under pressure. With this, they will achieve results no less important than their predecessors who helped bring freedom to millions.
For much of the last decade, they've been deprived of that due to attempts to micromanage their work from DC, political fights over @USAGMgov's structure and purpose, and strategic neglect. I sincerely hope my departure is not a sign of more of the same. END
