We learned from the Brussels Signal last month that the U.S. government has been funding journalism in European countries:

This long-term financial support has been framed as part of Washington’s “commitment to supporting democratic values and civil society in the [European] region” under the Assistance to Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia/Economic Support Fund (AEECA/ESF PD) programmes.

Anne-Laure Dufeal, “Explosive: US government’s deep involvement in European journalism, February 10, 2025

One example is Moldova:

The funding, directed toward media organisations such as Internews Network Moldova, the journalist association Asocia ia Presei Independente (API), the Media Alternativa Association and investigative outlet Rise Moldova, has played a pivotal role in transforming Moldova’s media landscape. It has undone, little by little, the deep-rooted influence of Russia in the country television networks replacing that with its own Biden administration American influence.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Media Alternativa Association — owner of TV8, the fourth most-watched television channel in Moldova —received $1.85 million (€1.7 million) from Washington.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, Western sanctions resulted in the suspension and cancellation of licences for several Russian-owned TV stations in Moldova, creating a vacuum.

US-funded media outlets quickly moved in, filling the space once occupied by Kremlin-aligned broadcasters. Deep involvement in European journalism,

Most readers won’t sense any big loss arising from the decline of Russian propaganda in Moldova. But if the U.S. funds the system instead, the basic problem remains: A foreign government is funding the public news service.

Last month, we also learned that the United States was providing the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) money through USAID to do that worldwide. In my opinion, that’s a defensible foreign policy decision on the part of the donor country, whether it is the United States or Russia. But Moldova will not have a free or accountable media unless native Moldovans are willing and able to fund it themselves. The internet, where available, may make that easier than it used to be.

You may also wish to read: European journalists to leave X in January Turns out that the issue isn’t international politics but X owner Elon Musk’s thoughts on the changing face of media, which the Federation resolutely rejects. For that, see Musk: “Don’t hate the media, You may also wish to read: European journalists to leave X in January Turns out that the issue isn’t international politics but X owner Elon Musk’s thoughts on the changing face of media, which the Federation resolutely rejects. For that, see Musk: “Don’t hate the media, become the media.”