The Voice of America Should Address Existing Problems To Ensure High Performance
ID-82-37
Published: Jul 29, 1982. Publicly Released: Jul 29, 1982.
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Highlights
GAO undertook a review of Voice of America (VOA) to evaluate the management of technical, program, and administrative activities.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should require the Associate Director for Broadcasting to establish a timetable to provide: (1) a definitive level of program guidance including rules of usage and method for writing non-news material to ensure a consistent style; (2) a system which will minimize duplication of effort in developing centrally produced and service-originated non-news material; (3) a centralized process for analyzing and utilizing listener mail in establishing program guidance; and (4) short- and long-range plans for Voice of America programing which will be directed toward achieving maximum efficiency and effectiveness in program mixes and scheduling. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should require the Associate Director for Broadcasting to eliminate backup shortwave transmissions. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should require the Associate Director for Broadcasting to collocate receiver and transmitter plants at the Liberia Relay Station and plan for future relay station collocation. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should require the Associate Director for Broadcasting to establish a plan on the efficient use or disposal of the Dixon and Bethany Relay Stations. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should require the Associate Director for Broadcasting to develop plans to use the concepts of rapid deployment stations and standard-designed buildings in relay station construction and to employ those plans where appropriate. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should initiate discussions with other U.S. Government agencies involved in international broadcasting to identify existing and future technical facilities which may be appropriate for joint use. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| International Communication Agency | The Director of the International Communication Agency should require the Associate Director for Broadcasting to develop a comprehensive long-range plan for the effective modernization and expansion of VOA technical facilities and, if necessary, delay current construction projects until the plan is developed. The plan should include, as a minimum, projected program needs, a replacement schedule for obsolete equipment, an assessment of VOA technical capabilities and technical standards, an evaluation of the political vulnerability of the VOA broadcast system, and an assessment of the availability of other U.S. Government-owned radio facilities. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
International relationsPersonnel managementProgram managementPublic diplomacyRadio and radio stationsStrategic planningEngineeringPhysical securityCost estimatesBroadcasting standards