§1465a Additional functions of Broadcasting Board of Governors

Summary

Requires the Broadcasting Board of Governors to run radio programs to Cuba as part of the Voice of America. The broadcasts must give Cubans reliable, accurate, and fair news and a mix of viewpoints. They must follow all Voice of America standards for objectivity, accuracy, balance, and variety of views. Uses the Voice of America transmitters in Marathon, Florida, on 1180 AM that were in use before October 4, 1983. Other frequencies not on the commercial AM band (535 kHz to 1605 kHz) may also be used at the same time, but any extra frequency must also be used for all other VOA Cuba broadcasts. Time can be leased from non‑government shortwave stations, but at least 30% of what is broadcast or rebroadcast must be regular VOA programs, with emphasis on news and programs that meet the requirements of section 1463(2). If interference on 1180 AM is 25% or more above the daily average for the 12 months before September 1, 1983, the Board may lease time on commercial or educational AM stations; the FCC will monitor interference. If more than two hours a day are leased, at least 30% must be regular VOA programs meeting section 1463(2). All U.S. government radio programs to Cuba must be called either "Voice of America: Cuba Service" or "Voice of America: Radio Marti program." If Marathon facilities are put out of service by natural disaster or unlawful destruction, other U.S. government transmitters may be used for up to 150 days.