Radio Free Asia Faces Criticism Over Sale of Taxpayer-Funded Equipment at Low Prices

WASHINGTON — Radio Free Asia has come under scrutiny after auctioning off expensive news equipment purchased with U.S. taxpayer funds for significantly reduced prices, officials said. The broadcaster, which receives U.S. government support, sold the gear online for a fraction of its original value, prompting criticism from lawmakers who say the move undermines public confidence.

Congressman Darrell Issa described the auction as a betrayal, expressing concern that assets funded by taxpayers were being disposed of in a manner that appeared wasteful and disrespectful to the public. According to authorities, the equipment included high-end broadcasting tools and technology that had been acquired to support the broadcaster’s news operations.

Radio Free Asia, which operates as a U.S.-backed entity providing news to Asian audiences, conducted the auction through an online platform. The sale prices reportedly amounted to only pennies on the dollar compared to the initial cost of the equipment. Officials familiar with the matter noted that the broadcaster did not provide sufficient justification for the low sale prices or transparent accounting of the proceeds.

The broadcaster’s decision to sell the equipment at such reduced rates has raised questions about asset management and accountability within organizations funded by U.S. government grants. Critics argue that the disposal method failed to maximize value for taxpayers and could set a concerning precedent for other government-supported entities.

Issa and other critics have called for a review of the broadcaster’s asset management policies and greater oversight to ensure that taxpayer-funded resources are handled responsibly. They emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in institutions that rely on government funding.

Radio Free Asia has not publicly commented on the auction or the criticism it has received. The broadcaster’s management has yet to respond to requests for clarification regarding the rationale behind the pricing and sale process.

The incident adds to ongoing debates about transparency and fiscal responsibility in organizations that receive federal support. Lawmakers and watchdog groups continue to monitor how government-funded entities manage assets and expenditures to safeguard taxpayer interests.

As investigations and inquiries proceed, officials have indicated that further scrutiny may lead to recommendations or policy changes aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. The case underscores the challenges of balancing operational needs with accountability in publicly funded media organizations.