NSDD 45 United States International Broadcasting

SECRET th 90447 THE WHITE HOUSE D. WASHINGTON NLRR mob-002 #/ 24484 SECRET as NKRADATE 11/9/03 NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION July 15, 1982 DIRECTIVE NUMBER 45 UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING International broadcasting constitutes an important instru- ment of the national security policy of the United States. Improvement in the programming and technical quality of US international broadcasting is a requirement of the highest priority. Allocation of budgetary and other resources required to implement the improvements authorized by this memorandum shall be accorded the same priority as in the case of other programs deemed vital to the national security. (s) The Voice of America (VOA) of the International Communication Agency will remain the official broadcasting voice of the US Government, receiving policy guidance from the Secretary of State and the Director, ICA. VOA should take steps to strengthen existing mechanisms for relating program content to current US foreign and national security policy objectives, while ensuring the integrity of news broadcasting and serving long-range US broadcasting goals and interests in accordance with its legislative charter. Commentary and analysis should incorporate vigorous advocacy of current policy positions of the US Government. (s) The Radio in the American Sector of Berlin (RIAS) will continue to broadcast to East Germany under the supervision of the Director, International Communication Agency. A review should be undertaken to ensure that appropriate policy guidance is available to RIAS. (C) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a private corporation funded by the Congress and subject to oversight by the Board for International Broadcasting, will continue as an independent organization operating as a surrogate free radio for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. A new entity for broadcasting to Cuba, Radio Marti, is currently being established and will function in a manner analogous to RFE/RL. Both radios shall operate in a manner not inconsistent with the broad objectives of US foreign and national security policy. As) SECRET Review on July 15, 1988 cy / of 10 copies SECRET CHRON FILE