By Mark Asquino
Senior Public Diplomacy Fellow, SMPA

At a time of lively debate on the role new and traditional media should play in U.S. government public diplomacy efforts,  it is a privilege to have Voice of America Director Dan Austin at George Washington University to speak tonight on the "new faces" of  VOA.  Mr. Austin's talk will focus on how VOA has evolved from a network known by my generation for its highly effective use of shortwave radio, to a broadcaster now making increased use of Internet and new digital platforms.  These new media are reaching beyond  traditional audiences to young people of the Facebook and Twitter generation throughout the world.

Mr. Austin will speak at the Lindner Family Common Room (1957 E Street Room 602) at 6:30 p.m and it is open to the public.  His talk is co-sponsored by the Institute for Public Diplomacy and  Global Communication and the Walter Roberts Endowment Board.  Veteran VOA broadcaster and public diplomacy legend Walter  Roberts will be an honored guest at this event.

The subject of Mr. Austin's talk could not be more timely or relevant given the sweeping changes occurring in the  Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere.   I hope you will be able to join us, and look forward to seeing you at tonight's talk.

RSVP for tonight's event