USAID Cuts Threaten Independent Media: OCCRP Lays Off 40+ Staff
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has implemented significant cuts, including personnel reductions and frozen payments, affecting international aid organizations. This includes media companies, leading to layoffs and potential closures of independent outlets. The Organization for Criminal and Corruption Reporting (OCCRP), a renowned investigative journalism center, has been notably impacted.
OCCRP, with an annual budget of around 22 million euros, has had to lay off over 40 people due to the loss of U.S. funding. This cut has had a devastating impact on independent media, particularly in regions where journalism was already struggling. OCCRP, along with other outlets like Internews and Slidstvo.info, faces staff cuts and potential closure due to the loss of USAID funding.
The freezing of funds by USAID has been criticized by organizations such as Reporters Without Borders. The organization has called on the public to support independent media in the face of these challenges. OCCRP, which has been awarded numerous journalism prizes, has refuted allegations of being an instrument of the 'Deep State' or influenced by the U.S. government on its reporting.
The impact of USAID's cuts on independent media is significant, with OCCRP's case highlighting the potential loss of crucial investigative journalism worldwide. A lawsuit by OCCRP founder Drew Sullivan has resulted in a federal judge stopping the government from canceling overseas aid contracts signed before Trump took office. However, the future of these organizations remains uncertain, and the need for public support is clear.
