CUSIB.org - The Committee for U.S. International BroadcastingBBG Watch Commentary

The Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB – cusib.org) welcomed the appointment of Kevin Klose to continue as the head of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

CUSIB Press Release

CUSIB Applauds Appointment of Kevin Klose As RFE/RL President and CEO

For Immediate Release

CUSIB - Supporting journalism for media freedom and human rights

September 03, 2013

The Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB – cusib.org) congratulates Kevin Klose upon his appointment to serve as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) President and CEO.

CUSIB Executive Director Ann Noonan stated: “We are delighted that members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) who serve on the RFE/RL Corporate Board have unanimously approved a multi-year contract for Kevin Klose to remain as RFE/RL President and CEO. We are confident that RFE/RL will continue to thrive under Mr. Klose’s leadership.”

CUSIB Director Ted Lipien stated: “We are confident that the appointment of Mr. Klose to remain at the helm of RFE/RL will be greatly appreciated by many courageous journalists. During his tenure as Acting President and CEO for RFE/RL, Mr. Klose played a critical role in bringing back many reporters who had been dismissed by the former management. We wish him the best and offer our assistance to him in his efforts,” said Ted Lipien

CUSIB Advisory Board member, former BBG Governor Ambassador Victor Ashe who until last month was also Vice Chair of RFE/RL Corporate Board and Chair of its Audit Committee, said in reaction to the news of Kevin Klose’s appointment:

“Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Corporate Board has made a wise decision to retain Kevin Klose’s sage leadership. Kevin Klose has been a breath of fresh air and a calming influence after the trauma created by Steven Korn and his key advisors. Kevin Klose saved Radio Liberty in Russia from self-destruction. Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Putin’s Russia and other areas to which RFE/RL directs its news programs are a tough neighborhood. A seasoned and steady leader like Kevin Klose is just what RFE/RL needs at this critical time.

Much of the credit goes to RFE/RL Corporate Chair Susan MCCue for her able handling of the transition. Many will never know how much time and effort she has put into this,” said former BBG Governor Ambassador Victor Ashe.

The Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB – cusib.org) is an independent, nongovernmental organization which supports free flow of uncensored news from the United States to countries without free media.

For further information, please contact:

Ann Noonan, co-founder and Executive Director
Tel. 646-251-6069
Ted Lipien, co-founder
Tel. 415-793-1642