Mandated by Congress, the annual Language Service Review (LSR) is a process during which the Broadcasting Board of Governors prioritizes its language services, providing strategic direction for the budgeting purposes.
As a result of LSR, the BBG could add new languages or enhance existing services. But at the same time, others could face reduction or even elimination as resources are reallocated.
Criteria for language service assessment include statutory factors that center on freedom and democracy, including press freedom, and U.S. Government national security interests. The BBG also draws on a host indicators including a given country’s level of development and stability.
At the heart of Language Service Review is the BBG’s enabling legislation and charter, which includes the following three broadcasting principles:
Public Law 103-236
IIIUNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING ACT
303STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES.
bBROADCASTING PRINCIPLES
United States international broadcasting shall include—
1news which is consistently reliable and authoritative, accurate, objective, and comprehensive;
2a balanced and comprehensive projection of United States thought and institutions, reflecting the diversity of United States culture and society;
3clear and effective presentation of the policies of the United States Government and responsible discussion and opinion on those policies;