Radio Free Asia’s Post

Today we celebrate 27 years of incisive journalism and powerful storytelling. To mark the occasion, last week we previewed a docu-series profiling Uyghurs in exile at the National Press Club of Washington D.C. We shared anniversary messages from Representative Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP and Senator Jeff Merkley, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, who lauded RFA’s critical role pushing back on authoritarianism. (Photo credit: Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA)

Congratulations to RFA's global Mandarin brand 歪脑 | WHYNOT as well as its Korean Service, who were named Finalists at this year’s New York Festivals awards. 歪脑 | WHYNOT’s documentary series “The Melting Wok: Chinese Food's American Dream,” which is hosted by food influencer Tzu-i Chuang Mullinax, explores the identity of Chinese food in America. RFA Korean’s report “Time is running out: Korean American Divided Families” follows Korean Americans living in the U.S. expressing their desire to reunite with family members back in North Korea who they have not seen since the Korean War. Check out the recognized projects here: https://lnkd.in/e8vu8Gyt https://lnkd.in/eryS6y-t

RFA Burmese's award-winning project, which was produced by longtime RFA freelancer and documentarian Shin Daewe, examines the human impact of climate change in Myanmar. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gNZd3D33

It was always Wai Mar Htun's dream to become a journalist. At the age of 19, she began her career working for a print publication in Myanmar during the country’s period of democratization before joining RFA in 2014 as a local journalist. But in the wake of the military coup in 2021, she fled the country. Wai Mar spent 70 days with fellow journalists in the jungle before being able to relocate to the United States where she has continued her invaluable contributions to RFA’s independent news reporting. Wai Mar’s role at RFA is largely public-facing. She reports on human rights, politics and human interest stories from behind the mic and in front of the camera as a podcaster and TV news presenter. While she acknowledges the risk in the work she does, her commitment to the Burmese community outweighs any fear. “We need to talk and I need to be a voice for the Myanmar people. This is my duty.” (Photo credit: Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA) #womenshistorymonth

RFA welcomes Greg Barber as its first Head of Digital Operations and Innovation. His decades of industry experience will be invaluable as he helps lead the ongoing digital transformation of RFA's newsroom. Read the full statement on Greg's new role here: https://lnkd.in/dPx8anUi

On your first day at RFA, the first person you’re likely to meet is Tamara Bagley Smith. Tamara is a Human Resources Specialist focused on orientation and benefits. She has been with the organization almost since the beginning, having joined in October 1996 shortly after RFA Mandarin debuted its first broadcast. At the time, RFA had no more than 10 total staff, with only three in HR, including Tamara. Now with over 300 D.C.-based employees, she has played a defining role in introducing new hires to life at RFA.  “I find my role enriching, I love our staff and I love what I do,” Tamara explains. “My connection with them, meeting them initially, getting to know them personally… that one on one type thing.” At RFA, Tamara works to ensure employee wellbeing, which includes organizing healthy cooking demos, information sessions about employee benefits and other events. Recently Tamara’s hard work earned RFA the bronze level of the Cigna Healthcare Healthy Workforce Designation, an annual recognition that honors an organization’s commitment to a sustainable, healthy work culture. “I’m aiming for gold next year,” Tamara says. #womenshistorymonth

As journalists with RFA’s Korean Service, Hye Jun Seo and Jamin Anderson play a critical role bringing to light the stories of North Korean women escapees. They explain that female escapees tend to be more hesitant to publicly share their experiences, but feel comfortable opening up to them. “As women, we’re able to hear their full story and share those in a more impactful way. Women speaking to women is really what makes it easier for them to speak about their past.” Reporting the escapee experience is just one responsibility, but Hye Jun and Jamin also emphasize the importance of developing a genuine bond with their sources. “It’s not just about the exclusive stories, it’s about the content you deliver and the personal relationships you build with these people.” It’s emotionally challenging work, but they hope reporting these stories will inspire audiences in the DPRK to seek freedom. Hye Jun and Jamin recently collaborated on a special RFA report detailing the lives of North Korean escapees in the UK, which was nominated for a prestigious Gracie award this year. Read their report here: https://lnkd.in/gr8p7gsB (Photo credit: Gemunu Amarasinghe/RFA) #womenshistorymonth