A new report from Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors lists some important failings and problems of the board. The BBG oversees U.S. international broadcasting efforts.
The Office of Inspector General report gives the BBG a failing grade in achieving its goals for U.S. international broadcasting. The board, which is composed of nine part-time members, is failing to implement its five-year strategic plan because of a dysfunction that stems from a flawed legislative structure and internal dissension, according to the report.
The report cites hostility among board members that it says wrecks the deliberative process and renders the board ineffectual.
“Board dynamics are characterized by a degree of hostility that renders its deliberative process ineffectual. Board meetings are dominated by one member whose tactics and personal attacks on colleagues and staff have created an unprofessional and unproductive atmosphere,” according to the report, which is signed by Deputy Inspector General Harold Geisel.
Chronic vacancies and absences of board members put at risk the bipartisan nature of the body, Geisel writes.
The inspection took place late last year over a two-month period, according to the document.
The BBG has oversight of Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa, Radio and TV Martí and Radio Free Asia.
Radio World has reached out a representative of the BBG board for reaction to the Office of Inspector General’s report.
