Independent media outlets worldwide are grappling with severe operational disruptions following a significant reduction in United States government foreign assistance, according to a new report released this week.

The report, Crisis in Journalism: The Impact of the US Government Funding Cuts on Global Media, was released by a consortium of media development organisations led by Internews Europe, BBC Media Action and Free Press Unlimited. The study was supported by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships and covers over 50 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The findings provide the first in-depth analysis of the repercussions stemming from a 2025 U.S. executive order that suspended the majority of foreign aid. The order resulted in the sudden withdrawal of approximately $150 million annually from the global information sector. The funding had been a significant source of support for many media outlets, particularly those operating in fragile or authoritarian contexts.

The assessment shows that many global media outlets reliant on U.S. government funding have been compelled to immediately reduce staff and curtail coverage. Nearly all face diminished operational capacity and considerable uncertainty regarding their long-term viability. For media organisations in high-risk or authoritarian contexts, the funding cuts have dramatically amplified their vulnerability, not only by weakening operations but also by exposing them to heightened legal and physical threats. The report notes a rise in “lawfare” tactics, such as defamation suits and restrictive media laws, alongside coordinated attacks on journalists’ digital and physical safety, which are identified as deliberate attempts to suppress dissent and democratic discourse.

Impact on Sub-Saharan Africa

In Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. government funding has historically supported extensive networks of community radio stations, which often serve as the only local or local-language media, providing essential information services to millions in remote communities. Local language radio is particularly vital in regions with low literacy rates and limited internet penetration, functioning as the most trusted and accessible medium for timely news on health, education, elections, and humanitarian emergencies. The viability of these critical media outlets is now in jeopardy without continued donor assistance.

Specific instances cited in the report include Eye Radio, the only independent national FM radio in South Sudan, which has reduced its staff from 47 to 12 and faces challenges in remaining operational into 2026 to cover the general election. In Zambia, at least 25 community radio stations have been affected, experiencing loss of funding for gender, health, and information integrity programming, ahead of elections also scheduled for 2026. The DRC has seen at least 77 community radio stations impacted, many in regions affected by active armed conflict. Beyond direct funding, U.S. government-funded health and information campaigns also provided a significant revenue stream for these networks.

In conflict-affected areas such as the DRC, Sudan, and the Sahel, donor-funded media provide potentially life-saving information services domestically and play a crucial role in disseminating news internationally. Radio station managers in Eastern Congo have expressed concerns regarding propaganda from politicians and armed groups potentially exacerbating conflict. Sudanese outlets like Radio Dabanga, Dafur24, Jubrakanews, and Al Taghyeer have implemented staff reductions, salary cuts, reduced coverage, and office closures. The lack of funds for salaries and other costs, including travel, visas, and medical fees, has left staff and correspondents in active conflict zones or areas with growing food insecurity at increased risk.

In countries like Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, U.S. government funding supported media independence from autocratic-leaning governments. Media partners in these nations have cut up to 80 percent of their staff and significantly scaled back operations. At least four media outlets, receiving over 50 percent of their budget from US sources, anticipate closure within the next six months without new funding. USAID funds were also critical to a national media safety fund, and the cuts have impacted its capacity at a time of heightened political tensions and increased threats to journalist safety.

The funding cuts have also impacted fact-checking initiatives and investigations into disinformation and foreign influence. A media outlet in Sub-Saharan Africa disclosed that it had been approached by potential funders from China but had declined, citing concerns about editorial independence.

Other examples of affected programming include Adisi Cameroun, which lost 80% of its budget for open data and digital rights projects, and journalist training programmes in Zambia focused on artificial intelligence and technology governance, which have been suspended.

Across the region, at least 28 organisations in Tanzania, 23 in Mozambique, 16 in Angola, 11 in Eswatini, 10 in Lesotho and 8 in Botswana were recipients of U.S government-supported initiatives that have now been terminated.

Call for flexible funding and enhanced support

The report also raises concern about the absence of emergency response funding. The authors recommend the establishment of flexible, rapidly deployable support to assist media outlets in navigating the transitional period, maintaining operations, and ensuring staff safety. Some emergency interventions, the report notes, could be implemented with relatively small amounts of funding – approximately $1,000 – aimed at relocation or immediate risk mitigation.

It further calls for greater flexibility in the use of existing donor funds, suggesting that allocations initially earmarked for new programming could be redirected to cover core operational needs or to support institutional adaptation. Legal and security assistance is also recommended to address the increased risks faced by media organisations operating without prior warning of the funding suspension.

The report concludes that the changes in the funding environment have affected not only media outlets themselves, but also the wider support ecosystem, many components of which were also recipients of U.S. government funding.

The full report is available via Internews, BBC Media Action and Free Press Unlimited.