Programmes from American-funded international broadcasters will be unaffected by the US government’s partial shutdown, according to the independent federal agency that oversees them.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors said that while many parts of its operations have had to close due to the stand-off in the US Congress, BBG-supported media “are still bringing news and information programs to audiences around the world”.
The stations include Voice of America, Radio Free Asia and Radio Sawa, which broadcasts to the Middle East.
Media activities deemed “foreign relations essential to national security,” such as news programming and distribution, are excepted from the shutdown and will continue, said the statement on the organisation’s website.
The networks provide news and information services in 61 languages to audiences in more than 100 countries.
Officials say BBG-supported programming will carry on with support from a reduced staff.
The current broadcasting schedule will remain in place, while the numbers of support personnel are reduced.
Internet and new media operations will also continue as necessary for overseas audiences, said the statement.
The US government closed non-essential operations on Tuesday after Congress failed to strike a deal on a new budget.