OAN's Rise: The Far-Right Network Reshaping American Media
One America News Network (OAN), a staunchly pro-Trump media outlet, has solidified its position as a leading voice for far-right perspectives in the United States. Known for promoting conspiracy theories and unwavering support for former President Donald Trump, OAN's influence has expanded through strategic partnerships and controversial programming choices.
A Controversial Partnership with Voice of America
In a move that has raised eyebrows across the media landscape, senior Trump adviser Kari Lake announced a partnership between OAN and Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government-funded international broadcaster. Under this agreement, OAN will provide newsfeed services to VOA and other U.S.-funded networks, including the Office of Cuba Broadcasting and Radio Martí. Lake touted the deal as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers, emphasizing OAN's offer to provide content free of charge.
Critics argue that this partnership undermines VOA's longstanding commitment to independent, non-partisan journalism. Former U.S. Agency for Global Media Chief Financial Officer Grant Turner stated, "Kari Lake providing One America News Network to our global audiences makes a mockery of the agency's history of independent non-partisan journalism" .
OAN's Editorial Stance and Legal Troubles
OAN has consistently aligned itself with far-right ideologies, often promoting unfounded claims and conspiracy theories. The network faced multiple defamation lawsuits related to its coverage of the 2020 presidential election. Notably, OAN reached settlements with Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic after airing false claims about election fraud. In one instance, OAN aired a pre-recorded segment acknowledging that its allegations were false, following a settlement with former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea' ArShaye Moss .
Expanding Influence in Government Institutions
OAN's reach has extended into government institutions. In early 2025, the Pentagon implemented a "media rotation program" that removed major news organizations like The New York Times and NBC News from their in-house offices, replacing them with outlets including OAN, Breitbart News, and The New York Post. This move was criticized for limiting journalistic freedom and favoring conservative media outlets .
High-Profile Additions Bolster OAN's Lineup
The network has also attracted high-profile figures to its programming. Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz joined OAN as a host after withdrawing from consideration for U.S. Attorney General amid allegations of misconduct. Gaetz's show, however, received negative reviews for its production quality and content .
Kari Lake
OAN's ascent reflects a broader shift in the American media landscape, where partisan outlets gain prominence and influence. As the network continues to forge partnerships and expand its reach, concerns about media bias and the erosion of journalistic standards remain at the forefront of public discourse. The rise of OAN as a megaphone for Trump-era ideology underscores the growing danger of a media ecosystem built entirely on ideological comfort rather than factual challenge. In a democracy, the press is meant to inform and provoke critical thinking — not serve as an echo chamber. When networks like OAN offer only one narrative, they don’t just fail journalism — they fail the public. Viewers are left unchallenged, misinformed, and increasingly radicalized, seeing the world only through the lens that flatters their preexisting beliefs.
