A look back at 2017
New programs, key advancements and comprehensive reporting are just a few highlights from 2017. Join us as we look back at the stories and events from the past year.
Innovative New Programming
Current Time network launches real news, for real people, in real time
VOA Urdu launches new television show in Pakistan
MBN’s Maghreb Voices, a new platform for open and free discussions
ISIS defectors reveal disillusionment in a new documentary series on Alhurra
New programming for DPRK and new leadership at MBN the focus of BBG Board meeting
Alhurra debuts a new documentary on fighting extremism with comedy
VOA documentary: ‘Boko Haram; Journey From Evil’
Comprehensive coverage of global developments and world news
BBG networks cover 58thpresidential inauguration
Voice of America airs four-part series “Boko Haram: Terror Unmasked”
Cantonese Service investigation highlights China’s vaccine crisis
Trends and developments in Central Asia
Alhurra and Radio Sawa recognize International Women’s Day
Soviet life in the 1950s, as never seen before
MBN’s coverage of the U.S. missile strike in Syria
Uzbekistan after Karimov: An update
ISIS defectors speak out on Alhurra
MBN commemorates Arab-American Heritage Month
VOA Turkish provides extensive coverage of Turkish President Erdoğan’s visit to the U.S.
Alhurra and Radio Sawa aired extensive coverage of President Trump’s first foreign trip
The tech industry — Facing change in US immigration laws and visas
Special Ramadan coverage on Alhurra and Radio Sawa
Alhurra celebrates women’s achievements with new “Sit B’Mit Ragel” season
Exclusive: Venezuela opposition leader visits OCB
Threats to our journalists
Alhurra-Iraq Journalists Wounded in Mosul
RFE/RL Crimea contributor indicted
RFE/RL condemns Turkmenistan’s treatment of journalists
RFE/RL welcomes release of Turkmen journalist, calls for additional steps
Voice of America reporter harassed by police forces in Erbil
RFE/RL journalist arrested in Belarus, as protests escalate
Major Azerbaijan internet provider reportedly blocking RFE/RL
RSF’s index stresses threats against journalists in Asia, audiences’ need for free press
Azerbaijan seeks court action to ban RFE/RL website
RFE/RL demands investigation, safety for Macedonia journalists
Threats to RFE/RL journalists multiply in 2017
Azerbaijani court blocks RFE/RL website
RFE/RL blogger missing in Ukraine
Georgian Public Broadcaster terminates RFE/RL programs
RFE/RL Turkmen journalist marks two years behind bars
Russia-backed separatists confirm they are holding RFE/RL contributor in Donetsk
RFE/RL correspondent Achilova threatened with death in Turkmenistan
Statement from Radio Free Asia’s President on Cambodia
CEO statement on the closing of RFA’s Phnom Penh Bureau
RFE/RL takes Azerbaijani case to European court
RFE/RL Crimean journalist faces separatism conviction by Russian court
Semena found guilty of “separatism;” RFE/RL President condemns verdict
Systematic attacks on journalists in Russia and other post-Soviet states
Freelance Somali cameraman working for VOA killed in Saturday’s blast in Mogadishu
Statement regarding the Russian Federation’s media law
Agency Programs and Events
Internet freedom experts gather for OIF roundtable
BBG Research Series: Media consumption in Turkey
World Press Freedom Day: A conversation with BBG & GWU
BBG unveils a memorial to our fallen journalists
Broadcasters promote news freedom via “Bypass Censorship” website
One goal, two approaches: Addressing disinformation in Eurasia
An important step towards press freedom (Helsinki Comm testimony)
2nd annual Cuba Internet Freedom Conference held in November
New Key Personnel
BBG announces new Acting Board Chairman
Radio Free Asia hires new managing director for East Asia
Ambassador Alberto M. Fernandez joins BBG as president of MBN
Wilfredo Cancio appointed Central News Director for OCB
Noted journalist Nart Bouran joins MBN as Senior Vice President
Anniversaries
Voice of America celebrates 75 years
Radio Sawa celebrates 15th anniversary