America Abroad Media - Our Mission and Philosophy

The mission of AAM is to harness the power of media to inform America and the world about the critical international issues of our time.

In 1869, John Stuart Mill wrote:

[T]he peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.

AAM is dedicated to this philosophy - and to independent journalism that is dedicated to the free exchange, informed debate, and critical analysis of ideas. AAM believes in the marketplace of ideas—that journalism in its highest (and truest) form strives to provide citizens with information that will better their understanding of their world and themselves. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Aaron Lobel, AAM has three principal initiatives to carry out our mission.

America Abroad

Serious radio for the intellectually curious, America Abroad explores today's critical issues with balance and depth. America Abroad is the only public radio program that devotes an hour to a single issue-providing historical context and international perspective. America Abroad:

• Airs on 225 NPR stations and in 145 countries on NPR Worldwide,
• Broadcasts on 9 of the top 10 and 21 of the top 25 domestic markets,
• Features renowned hosts Ray Suarez and Deborah Amos.

AAM Television

An unprecedented undertaking, AAM Television connects America and the world for discussion by satellite and broadcasting on prominent foregin networks in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey. AAM Television:

• Enables millions to hear and debate US perspectives on critical issues,
• Strengthens independent media in key countries, and
• Serves to bridge the gap of understanding between America and the world.

AAM Journalism Fellowship

The AAM Journalism Fellowship brings top broadcast journalists from the Muslim world to Washington. Fellows meet with US decision-makers and experts, attend events on US foreign policy, receive training in the latest broadcast techniques, and produce media products for broadcast in their home countries. The Fellowship:

• Creates and facilitates much-needed dialogue between America and the Muslim world, and
• Empowers journalists and free media in the Muslim world.