Radio Free Asia Auctions Off Equipment Amid Funding Cuts

A federally funded nonprofit news agency has begun auctioning off a significant amount of broadcast equipment at low prices, raising eyebrows and prompting criticism. The organization, Radio Free Asia (RFA), which receives around $60 million annually from U.S. taxpayers for its news operations in Asia, announced it would pause its activities due to funding issues tied to the government shutdown.

While its website was inactive, it was revealed that RFA had secretly started selling high-value equipment, including HD cameras, teleprompters, and even refrigerators, on a public auction site. Listings on Rasmus Auctions showcased RFA-branded gear at astonishingly low prices.

Some items are listed for just a few cents. For example, high-resolution cameras have reportedly sold for less than $1, while teleprompters and professional lenses are fetching similarly cheap prices. Refrigerators are even going for as little as 20 cents. In total, more than 1,000 pieces of equipment have been put up for sale, causing outrage among some lawmakers.

California Representative Darrell Issa criticized the auctions, calling it a betrayal of American taxpayers. “I’ve never seen this level of belligerence from an organization that gets 100 percent of its funding from the U.S. government,” he commented, remarking on how valuable items were being sold for mere pennies.

In response to inquiries, a spokesperson from RFA attributed the situation to budget cuts from the previous administration. They claimed the organization’s closure was forced by significant financial difficulties, emphasizing that the auctions were a means to handle ongoing expenses.

RFA’s statement included intentions to maintain vital personnel and assets while removing outdated facilities. The group aims to continue its editorial work focused on holding authoritarian governments accountable.

However, Kari Lake, deputy director of the U.S. Agency for Global Media overseeing RFA, vehemently disagreed with their claims. She insisted that the organization is receiving full funding and criticized the low auction prices. “Eighty cents for an HD camera? That’s a disgrace to the taxpayers,” she stated. Lake indicated an audit would be conducted next week to investigate the situation at RFA.

In conclusion, RFA expressed hope to resume operations once funding issues are resolved and reassured that they would be prepared to continue their work if Congress restores funding.