Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Closure of Federally Funded Radio Networks

In a legal showdown, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth has temporarily blocked the closure of federally funded radio networks following a lawsuit filed by RFE/RL, Inc. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty). The network sued the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) after the agency halted funding intended to support independent journalism globally. RFE/RL argues that the funding cuts defy statutory requirements and Congress’s explicit mandate to provide these grants.

The court order, issued on March 25, 2025, highlights Congress’s longstanding policy to promote freedom of opinion and expression. Judge Lamberth granted the plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), emphasizing that the leadership of USAGM cannot force RFE/RL to shut down without adequate justification. The court also declared the portion of the plaintiff’s TRO motion seeking disbursement of $7,464,559 for the March 1–14 period of performance as moot, given the defendants’ notice of disbursement initiation for that amount. Additionally, the court ordered the defendants to refrain from imposing any obligations related to closing out the plaintiff’s grant.

The court has set a briefing schedule for the preliminary injunction, with the defendants’ opposition due on March 26, 2025, and the plaintiff’s reply due on March 28, 2025. Judge Lamberth intends to rule on the preliminary injunction motion expeditiously.

This case has sparked a broader conversation about the future of federally funded journalism and its impact on international relations. As legal proceedings continue, advocates and observers will be closely watching the outcome.