The Voice of America

Fitzgerald, Merni Ingrassia

ISBN 10: 0396089372 ISBN 13: 9780396089377

Publisher: Putnam Pub Group, 1987

Synopsis

A behind-the-scenes story of the global radio network of the U.S. Information Agency, whose Voice of America programs inform people living in other countries what life is like in America

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6 A mildly informative, upbeat, and not particularly memorable portrait of a government agency. A sketchy history is provided in the first chapter, tracing the origins of the VOA from a propaganda weapon during World War II to its present status as a part of the United States Information Agency. The bulk of the book concerns day-to-day operations of the VOA, contrasted with those of an average U.S. radio station as a context. Discussed are the kinds of programs presented, who does them, how they are done, and the audiences who listen. Much of the information is interspersed with letters, all positive, from listeners who relate how effective and important the VOA is. Also included are anecdotes about people who work there, some of whom are unidentified as a protective measure for family members remaining in the countries to which they broadcast. There is a concluding chapter about the importance of the VOA to readers, many of whom will never hear the station as it cannot by law broadcast in the U.S. While Fitzgerald burdens her book with a leaden style featuring choppy declarative sentences, there is some intrinsic interest here, as much of this information is difficult to find in other children's books. Posed black-and-white photographs appear throughout. The book is up-to-date, featuring some information on Radio Marti, the new service established for broadcasts to Cuba. As an introduction to the VOA for younger readers it serves its purposes adequately. Christine Behrmann, New York Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Putnam Pub Group
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0396089372
• ISBN 13: 9780396089377
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 118