22 Comments
User's avatar
JJ's avatar

Thank you so much for your service! I have enjoyed getting my news from you on Mastodon and will miss this valuable source of information from all over the world. The never-ending assault on our media is chilling and leaves me frightened but also determined.

Good luck in your new position and for continuing the fight to protect the first amendment.

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LL's avatar

Thank you, Steve. Best wishes to you!

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Mark Wagner's avatar

This is a great loss to the world of honest journalism and reporting. I hope you continue to write and tell all of us the "truth"

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Ria's avatar

What a sad ending but I’m sure you’re feeling a bit of relief. I grew up listening to the VOA, and the BBC. When we had an Islamic coup (the only one in the western hemisphere!) in Trinidad in 1990, and the local radio and TV stations went off the air because the terrorists took them over and the army shut them down it was foreign shortwave radio that kept information flowing.

I’m in Berlin right now, learning how fragile freedom and democracy can be. Journalists always have been key players in history and keeping people informed.

Probably I’ll talk to you on my radio show someday. It will be an honor to do so. Thank you for all you have done.

Best wishes to your former colleagues as they continue to fight. 73

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Steve Herman's avatar

Thank you, Ria.

I visited Trinidad many decades ago. Found it remarkable how people of different backgrounds made a common culture and cuisine. I love soca music and sauce doubles. I remember interviewing a famous TV show host. I think his name was Rudy Patudi. ??

It would be an honor to be on your show. There was a time when I tried to combine a foreign correspondent trips and conducting mini DXpeditions. I did that as A52SW, T6AD and as 7J1AIL/JR6 (IOTA AS-024). 9N7VOA was a bust because by the time I got the authorization in a Catch-22 situation (I think I was supposed to pay someone off) I had to leave Nepal.

73,

Steve

W7VOA

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Lew Simons's avatar

Illegitimi non carborundum, Steve!

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tbluvoter's avatar

Thank you for all the excellent reporting you have done, and wishing you the very best of luck in whatever comes next. Having been one of those people who's followed you for many years, if you decide to keep reporting, I'll be thrilled to follow your work again. Please thank all of your colleagues at VOA for their work and for fighting for press freedom as well!

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KimberlyN's avatar

Non sibi sed patriae. Indeed. Something we should all keep in mind as we endeavour to serve the greater good. Thank you for reminding us what journalism as service to country looks like, Steve. I hope whatever comes next for you brings you peace and happiness.

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Elizabeth Colton's avatar

Much appreciation, Steve, for all your service worldwide.

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Bill Fischer's avatar

Steve, Thank you for all you brought to so many people. You will be missed. Let us hope that when this is all over, we can celebrate your career properly.

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Jerry Mershon's avatar

Aloha Steve

I am saddened to know that you have arrived at the end of a long journey in exemplary journalism. Kudos on your many accomplishments and particularly the manner in which you have maintained ethical integrity and professionalism in this challenging field of work.

Now as you consider your options I am hoping that you will seriously consider the relocation back to Hawaii we have spoken of in years past.

Keep my contact information because I want to stay in more frequent touch regardless your decision on the many options you probably are considering.

Aloha pumehana,

Jerry

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Steve Herman's avatar

It’s Mississippi instead of Hawaii in the near future: https://olemiss.edu/news/2025/5/steve-herman-hired-as-jordan-center-director/index.html

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John Arthur's avatar

This is horrible. So sorry -- for you and our country.

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Gonzalo Abarca's avatar

Thank you Steve for your unshakable defense of press freedom and liberty. Here al VOA it is our moral obligation to fallow your lead and we will putting up a heck of a fight to give America its voice. And will prevail!

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Kat O'Brien's avatar

Wishing you the very best!! So many of us appreciate your work and your commitment!

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Wayne Spivak's avatar

Steve, thanks for all the hard work, something this administration and lap dogs (I'm sure you've seen the Cabinet Meetings) would never understand!

Enjoy retirement, my friend!

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K. Wallace King's avatar

Thank you for all the years of excellent work. And yes, I am outraged.

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Sheila ParkerStone's avatar

Awe Steve. We love you. Thank you for your service to us and the world 🎉🎉🎉

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