January 11, 2008

Dear Ms. Rosett,

You are mistaken to suggest that the Voice of America eliminated the word capitalism from its lexicon. VOA does use the word capitalism on air and regularly reports on the American economic system.

The Special English Word Book is a guide for the audience learning English to words that are used on air without further explanation or definition. Since the Word Book sticks to about 1,500 words, there are regular updates that include additions and deletions.

Your concerns about coverage of the American economic system are unfounded. Recent Special English reports include:

- How businesses are organized in the U.S., explaining corporations, partnerships and individual proprietorships.

- How Junior Achievement teaches American students about the American business system, including how companies develop products and sell shares.

- Explanation of the U.S. Bond Market.

- Ways that Americans invest their money, including mutual funds, community investing and socially responsible investing.

- Explanations of mergers and acquisitions among corporations.

This is just a snapshot. VOA has broadcasts in regular English and 44 other languages.

In the future, it’s easy to check with VOA to get the facts straight, and avoid inacurracies or misinterpretations. Anyone can come visit VOA to see for themselves the outstanding work our journalists and broadcasters do providing reliable news and information about the U.S. and the world to an audience of more than 115 million people.

Sincerely,

Letitia King
Acting Director
Office of Public Affairs