English Language Matters: the demise of VOA

When it comes to directing English language learners to easily comprehensible media, where do you point them? One source I suggest to my students intending to study in the U.S. is the Voice of America. More specifically, I recommended VOA Learning English. The website has easy-to-understand English lessons, comprehensible if slightly corny video lessons, and shorts that demonstrate the meanings of idioms commonly used in American English.

English language education is Code Orange - image from Canva

The American soft power, and arguably propaganda machine, took a huge hit on Saturday when VOA employees were put on administrative leave. The outlet provided news in dozens of languages besides English and in addition American-oriented English language education content.

So, are there any other state broadcast sources that provide English language content for learners? There are. For British content and English learning, BBC Learning English is an invaluable resource. Australia Broadcasting Corporation, provides ABC Education with many resources for learning general English and Australia-specific content. Ever wondered how to pronounce place names in Oz? They have you covered. CBC, Canada’s national broadcaster, retired Learning English with CBC in 2021 and introduced Maruil, a digital project to support English and French language learning. However, it’s region-locked so you can only recommend it to your friends and relations in Canada. 

Are there any other state media you can recommend for English learners? Which commercial English learning news websites do you recommend?