- One of the key functions of the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) is to manage and operate the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), which oversees U.S. government-sponsored international broadcasting services, including:
- Voice of America (VOA): Provides news and information in multiple languages to audiences around the world, especially in areas where there is limited access to free and independent media.
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL): Provides news and information to countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, where independent media may be restricted or censored.
- Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB): Oversees Radio and TV Martí, which broadcast news and information to Cuba.
- Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa: Provide news and information to audiences in the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on issues related to governance, human rights, and socio-economic development.
- IIP also supports the State Department's public diplomacy efforts through various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting U.S. policies, values, and perspectives internationally.
- These include:
- Speaker programs: Organizing and facilitating speaking tours for U.S. government officials, experts, and cultural figures to visit foreign countries and engage in discussions with local audiences.
- Cultural exchanges: Administering cultural exchange programs that provide opportunities for artists, educators, students, and other professionals to travel and engage with people from different countries.
- Educational initiatives: Managing educational programs and resources to promote the teaching of English and the understanding of U.S. culture and society.
- Through its various programs and activities, the Bureau of International Information Programs plays a crucial role in shaping international perceptions of the United States, advancing U.S. foreign policy goals, and promoting understanding between the United States and other countries around the world.