United States Information Agency (USIA) was an independent agency that served as the official diplomacy arm of the U.S. government from 1953 to 1999. It was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Through a wide range of activities, the USIA provided insight about the United States to people overseas. It also brought many foreigners to the United States to experience American culture and society. The USIA’s mission was to strengthen foreign understanding of and support for U.S. policies and action; to assist in establishing democratic governments and free-market economies in other countries; and to advise the president, the secretary of state, and other key officials on how public opinion in foreign countries affected U.S. policies. The USIA was known overseas as the U.S. Information Service. When the agency was dissolved, many of its responsibilities were transferred to the State Department.
The USIA maintained posts in most countries, usually in United States embassies or consulates. The director of the USIA was appointed by the president and approved by the Senate. Support for overseas posts was organized in Washington, D.C., under (1) the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, (2) the Bureau of Policy and Programs, and (3) the International Broadcasting Bureau.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administered the USIA’s exchange programs, including the International Visitors Program and the Fulbright scholarships (see Fulbright scholarship ). Teachers, students, public officials, artists, and experts in various fields participated in these programs. The bureau also promoted the teaching of the English language overseas.
The Bureau of Policy and Programs operated the “Wireless File,” a global computerized news service. It also published magazines and pamphlets that were translated into numerous languages and distributed to many countries. These publications provided news and information on U.S. policies and American culture to media, government officials, and the general public overseas. The bureau also sponsored traveling exhibits that shared U.S. culture and history with foreign audiences.
The International Broadcasting Bureau became an independent agency in 1999, when the USIA was abolished. When the bureau was part of the USIA, it carried out the same functions it does today. For example, it operated the Voice of America, a radio network that broadcasts news and entertainment in many languages worldwide (see Voice of America ). In addition, it oversaw the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which consists of Radio and TV Martí.
