Understanding USAGM
What is USAGM?
The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an independent federal agency that oversees U.S. government-funded international media organizations. Formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), USAGM promotes freedom of the press, countering misinformation, and delivering independent journalism to audiences worldwide, especially in countries with restricted media environments.
USAGM operates radio, television, and digital media networks that provide accurate news to more than 350 million people in over 100 countries. Contractors support IT modernization, cybersecurity, satellite broadcasting, content production, audience analytics, and multilingual digital platforms.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Global Journalism & Broadcasting: Managing news content for international audiences.
- Countering Disinformation & Censorship: Providing accurate reporting in regions where press freedom is restricted.
- Multilingual Media & Digital Expansion: Delivering content in more than 60 languages through TV, radio, and digital platforms.
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Protection: Securing USAGM’s media networks against cyber threats.
- IT Modernization & Cloud-Based Broadcasting: Upgrading content distribution systems for efficiency.
- Audience Engagement & Data Analytics: Using AI and analytics to measure content impact and audience reach.
Mission and Goals
USAGM’s mission is to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy through accurate, unbiased journalism. The agency’s key goals include:
- Providing trusted, independent news to global audiences.
- Expanding digital and mobile news access for international users.
- Combating disinformation and censorship in media-restricted environments.
- Enhancing cybersecurity for USAGM’s global broadcasting platforms.
- Leveraging data analytics to assess audience impact.
USAGM Organization
USAGM oversees multiple media entities that provide news content to international audiences:
- Voice of America (VOA): Delivers news and information in over 40 languages.
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL): Covers Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
- Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB): Oversees Radio and TV Martí, broadcasting to Cuba.
- Radio Free Asia (RFA): Provides independent journalism in Asia and the Pacific.
- Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN): Operates Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa, reaching audiences in the Middle East.
Supporting Offices:
- Office of Technology, Services & Innovation (OTSI): Manages broadcasting infrastructure, IT security, and digital platforms.
- Office of Business Development (OBD): Handles content partnerships and licensing.
- Office of Policy & Research: Conducts audience analytics and media impact assessments.
USAGM collaborates with foreign broadcasters, tech companies, and media organizations to expand its reach.
Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with USAGM
Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:
- Understand USAGM’s Global Media & Digital Strategy: Contractors should align their services with secure broadcasting, digital media expansion, and counter-disinformation initiatives.
- Stay Current with Government Procurement Guidelines: USAGM follows Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), particularly FAR Part 12 (Commercial Acquisitions) and FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation).
- Master USAGM’s Media & IT Systems: Gain expertise in:
- USAGM Content Distribution Systems – Platforms for TV, radio, and digital broadcasting.
- AI-Based Audience Analytics – Tools for tracking content engagement and measuring impact.
- Multilingual Digital News Platforms – Global content management and localization tools.
- Cloud-Based Broadcasting & Cybersecurity Frameworks – Systems used for media security and IT resilience.
- Prioritize Cybersecurity & Data Protection: USAGM contractors must comply with FISMA (Federal Information Security Modernization Act), NIST 800-53, and media-specific security protocols.
- Effective Communication with Global Media Experts: Many contracts involve working with journalists, translators, and content distribution specialists.
- Agile and AI-Driven Media Solutions: USAGM is investing in cloud-based broadcasting, AI-driven news verification, and automated translation services—contractors should be proficient in these technologies.
- Continuous Learning & Professional Development: Stay informed on emerging media regulations, digital rights policies, and cybersecurity threats in journalism.
- Networking & Collaboration: Attend USAGM industry briefings, media technology conferences, and global press freedom summits.
- Focus on Digital Accessibility & Content Delivery: Many USAGM projects require user-friendly, mobile-first news applications for international audiences.
- Document & Share Knowledge: Maintain thorough documentation on media technology enhancements, cybersecurity protocols, and audience analytics.