Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VI, Public Diplomacy, 1961–1963

101. Memorandum Prepared by the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)¹

Washington, December 4, 1962.

VOICE OF AMERICA POLICY

Effective immediately, IBS shall institute special procedures for the application of information policy to all Voice of America output on foreign affairs. In this connection, the Deputy Director of IBS shall devote a major part of his attention to policy matters.²

The objectives of Voice of America policy shall be as stated in the “Voice of America Charter,” here restated:

“The long-range interests of the United States are served by communicating directly with the peoples of the world by radio. To be effective, the Voice of America must win the attention and respect of listeners. These principles will govern VOA broadcasts:

“1. VOA will establish itself as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news. VOA news will be accurate, objective, and comprehensive.

“2. VOA will represent America, not any single segment of American society. It will therefore present a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions.

“3. As an official radio, VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively. VOA will also present responsible discussion and opinion on these policies.”

Official U.S. broadcasts are listened to and monitored for indicators of the intentions and policies of the Government. It is vital that our broadcasts not mislead either our enemies or our friends about the nature, intent, and implications of our actions and purposes. Therefore, VOA commentaries and analyses on foreign affairs should at all times, and especially on subjects involving vital U.S. interests, reflect the nuances and special emphases, as well as the main thrust, of the policies and intentions of the U.S. Government. Commentaries should give an accurate picture of U.S. public policy as it can most persuasively be presented up to air time.

Edward R. Murrow

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1962–1963, Entry UD WW 173, Box 7, Broadcasting—General (IBS) 1962. No classification marking. An unknown hand wrote at the top of the memorandum: “Hold for DMW.”
2. In a December 4 memorandum to Loomis, Murrow outlined five statements designed to “govern the duties of the IBS Deputy Director until further notice.” (Ibid.)