Description
The collection is comprised of broadcast transcripts and audio recordings of the Radio Free Asia (RFA) Vietnamese radio programs
for the years 1997-2002 (later years are retained by RFA). The broadcast transcripts include a morning and evening broadcast
for each day, and are accompanied by audio cassette recordings for most of the transcripts. The radio programs include news
articles of events occurring that day, as well as commentary on world events. The recordings are in Vietnamese, while the
transcripts are in Vietnamese and/or English.
Background
Radio Free Asia (RFA), a private, non-profit corporation, aired its first broadcast in Mandarin to China on September 29,
1996. Its first Vietnamese broadcast aired on February 5, 1997. Located in Washington D.C., the organization was founded to
broadcast news and information from an American viewpoint to Asian countries where full and accurate news reports were not
available. Besides its news broadcasts, RFA is also a "university of the air," meaning that it broadcasts works of fiction
and nonfiction that would be censored in RFA's target countries. The organization is funded by grants from the United States
Congress, and it is journalistically independent. The autonomy of RFA is vital to providing objective domestic news and information.
Extent
137.4 Linear Feet
(189 boxes)
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and
their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Southeast Asian Archive Librarian.
Availability
Five business days advanced notice is required for access because the bulk of the materials are stored offsite. Please contact
Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access.