Statute, ByLaws, and Functions

Authorizing Statute

22 U.S.C. 6205 – Establishment of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board

IBAB ByLaws

International Broadcasting Advisory Board ByLaws

Functions of the IBAB

Under the International Broadcasting Act, the IBAB’s functions focus on these primary areas:

  1. Editorial Independence and Highest Standards of Journalism. USAGM and the IBAB formulated the guidance document “Editorial Independence” in response to an Office of the Inspector General recommendation that the agency update its firewall guidance and procedures. In its effort to protect and strengthen editorial independence, the IBAB approved the attached guidance document and its dissemination on December 11, 2024.The Board advises the USAGM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to ensure that:
    1. The CEO fully respects the professional integrity and editorial independence of USAGM broadcasters, networks, and grantees; and
    2. Agency networks, broadcasters, and grantees adhere to the highest professional standards and ethics of journalism, including taking necessary actions to uphold professional standards to produce consistently reliable and authoritative, accurate, objective, and comprehensive news and information.
    3. As part of its efforts to strengthen the professional integrity of the networks and the highest professional standards of journalism, the Board also focuses on efforts to enhance journalist safety.
  2. Naming/Removing Entity Heads. The heads of the Voice of America, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, the Open Technology Fund, or of any other USAGM grantee may only be appointed or removed if such action has been approved by the Board.
  3. Effectiveness and Efficiency. The Board reports periodically to Congressional committees about its advice and recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the USAGM and its programming.
  4. Budget and Strategic Input. The Board consults with the CEO regarding budget submissions and agency strategic plans and provides strategic input to the CEO on all areas relating to the International Broadcasting Act.

So that the Board can carry out its responsibilities, the Board will meet with the CEO at least four times annually, and at additional meetings requested by the CEO or the Chair of the Board. In addition, the Board obtains all relevant information from the CEO and the USAGM networks so that it can fulfill its statutory responsibilities.