voice of america
C1Formal, Journalistic, Political
Definition
Meaning
The official international broadcasting service of the United States federal government, providing news, information, and cultural programming to audiences worldwide.
A metonym for U.S. government-funded international broadcasting or, more broadly, for the official perspective or narrative promoted by a powerful entity (like a government or large organization) through media.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a proper noun referring to a specific institution (VOA). Can be used metaphorically in lowercase ('a voice of America') to describe any person or media outlet perceived as representing typical American views.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a proper noun, the referent is identical. Metaphorical use is more common in American English commentary.
Connotations
In the US, often connotes public diplomacy, soft power, and journalistic integrity (though can be viewed as propaganda by critics). In the UK/elsewhere, strongly associated with US foreign policy and Cold War history.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US media and political discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the Voice of America + [verb: broadcasts, reported, said]a/an [adjective: critical, influential] Voice of America reportaccording to the Voice of AmericaVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to be) a (little) Voice of America (figurative)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in media/communications industry discussions.
Academic
Used in political science, media studies, and history contexts discussing public diplomacy or Cold War history.
Everyday
Understood primarily by those interested in international news/media.
Technical
Used in broadcasting and international relations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The story was first voiced by America's official broadcaster.
- They are voicing America's perspective to a global audience.
American English
- The administration's position was VOA-ed to the region.
- He's essentially voicing America in his editorials.
adverb
British English
- The report was written very Voice-of-America-ly, with balanced clauses.
- (Rarely used.)
American English
- He commented Voice-of-America-style, sticking to the facts.
- (Rarely used.)
adjective
British English
- He has a Voice-of-America style of delivery.
- It was a classic VOA report.
American English
- That's a very Voice of America take on the issue.
- She gave a VOA-esque summary of events.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We listened to the Voice of America on the radio.
- The Voice of America broadcasts news in many languages.
- My grandfather listened to the Voice of America during the war.
- Critics argue that the Voice of America, while funded by the U.S. Congress, maintains editorial independence.
- The interview was syndicated by Voice of America and reached millions.
- Her analysis transcended the typical Voice of America narrative, offering a more nuanced critique of the bilateral relations.
- The metaphor of the nation-state as a broadcaster, a 'voice of America' projecting power, is central to understanding soft power diplomacy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember it as the 'Voice' that officially speaks 'of America' to the world, just as the 'BBC World Service' speaks for the UK.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A PERSON (who has a voice). / INFORMATION IS A SOUND WAVE (broadcast).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'Голос Америки' in non-proper noun contexts; it is the official name. Metaphorical use requires rephrasing.
- Avoid conflating with 'Голос' radio stations from history; VOA is specifically American.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase for the proper noun ('voice of America').
- Confusing it with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (which target specific regions).
- Using it as a countable noun ('a Voice of America').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Voice of America' most technically specific?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both are public broadcasters, but the BBC is funded by the British public via a licence fee and is more editorially independent from its government. VOA is funded by the U.S. federal government and is explicitly meant to represent U.S. interests abroad, though it has a charter requiring factual and balanced news.
Yes, but only when used metaphorically, not as a direct reference to the organization. For example: 'The popular blogger became a de facto voice of America for her international followers.' The official name is always capitalized.
Historically, it was prohibited by law (the Smith–Mundt Act) from distributing its content domestically to avoid government propaganda targeting Americans. This restriction was modified in 2013, but VOA's primary mission and audience remain outside the USA.
VOA is a U.S. government agency with a public diplomacy mission. CNN International is a commercial news network owned by a private corporation (Warner Bros. Discovery). Their funding, legal mandates, and perceived objectivity differ significantly.