§1465a Additional Functions of Broadcasting Board of Governors

Summary

The Broadcasting Board of Governors must run radio broadcasts to Cuba that give open access to information and that provide reliable, accurate, and complete news. Those broadcasts must be part of Voice of America and follow VOA rules so programs are fair, truthful, and show different views. The broadcasts should use the Marathon, Florida facilities and the 1180 AM frequency that VOA used before October 4, 1983. Other non‑commercial AM band frequencies (outside 535 kHz to 1605 kHz) or leased shortwave time can be used too, but at least 30 percent of what is aired must be regular Voice of America programs that stress news and the program types named in section 1463(2). If jamming on 1180 AM is 25 percent or more above the average daily level in the twelve months before September 1, 1983, the Board may lease time on AM stations (the FCC will monitor that jamming). If more than two hours a day are leased, at least 30 percent must be regular VOA programs. All such U.S. government broadcasts to Cuba must be labeled “Voice of America: Cuba Service” or “Voice of America: Radio Marti program.” If the Marathon facilities are put out of service by a natural disaster or illegal destruction, the Board may use other U.S. government transmission facilities for up to 150 days.