Closure of BenarNews Pacific Bureau

MEAA stands in solidarity with the journalists and staff impacted by the suspension of BenarNews, particularly those in its Brisbane-based Pacific Bureau.

This suspension, a direct result of recent cuts to funding of the United States Agency for Global Media by the Trump administration, is a devastating blow to press freedom and journalism in the region.

As part of Radio Free Asia, BenarNews has played a crucial role in reporting on often neglected issues across the Asia-Pacific in five languages.

Its loss weakens media diversity at a time when public-interest journalism is more vital than ever.