Radio Free Asia (RFA), a prominent independent news organization, announced it will cease operations on Friday due to severe financial constraints exacerbated by the U.S. government shutdown and the Trump administration’s efforts to defund government-backed media services. Established in 1996, RFA has been a critical source of news in regions where information flow is heavily restricted, including China, Myanmar, and North Korea. Over the past few months, the organization has operated with minimal staff, focusing primarily on online content as its funding dwindled. RFA’s President and CEO, Bay Fang, stated that the shutdown is a necessary step to conserve resources and potentially restart operations if consistent funding becomes available. The closure will involve shutting down overseas bureaus and laying off staff, many of whom have been on unpaid leave since March 2023. Despite its challenges, RFA had seen a 20% increase in website visitors between 2023 and 2024, reflecting its growing influence. Meanwhile, RFE/Radio Liberty, a similar government-funded organization, continues to operate, though it has also faced funding cuts and legal battles with the administration. Voice of America, another affected entity, has essentially halted operations due to the funding crisis. The differing approaches of these organizations highlight the broader impact of the administration’s policies on government-funded media.