About International Tibetan Media Organization

Advancing independent Tibetan journalism. Promoting independent Tibetan journalism. Safeguarding the public’s right to truth and access to information. Strengthening democratic values through free and ethical media.

The International Tibetan Media Organization (ITMO) is a global, independent media initiative dedicated to ensuring Tibetans everywhere have access to accurate, uncensored, and ethical journalism. At a time of growing information suppression, ITMO works to sustain Tibetan-language media, support independent journalists, and preserve the vital role of a free press in Tibetan society.

Our Mission

The International Tibetan Media Organization advances independent, ethical journalism to:

• Ensure Tibetans have access to accurate, uncensored information

• Strengthen democratic values through cross-border information exchange

• Support Tibetan-language media and independent Tibetan journalists worldwide

ITMO is committed to professional journalism standards, editorial independence, and the free flow of information as a cornerstone of democratic society.

Our Goals

1. Ensure Access to Media ITMO advocates for the people of Tibet to have open and reliable access to international media. We work to ensure that news and developments from inside Tibet reach the global community in a timely and accurate manner.

2. Restore Tibetan-Language Broadcasting ITMO works with Tibetan organizations and supporters worldwide to campaign for the restoration of Tibetan-language broadcasts by Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), essential services that have long served as a lifeline for Tibetans inside Tibet.

3. Promote Responsible Journalism ITMO supports fair, balanced, and credible journalism. We are committed to helping the public recognize, challenge, and counter disinformation and state-sponsored propaganda.

4. Strengthen Tibetan Democracy in Exile ITMO emphasizes the critical importance of independent media as a key pillar of Tibetan democracy. We actively encourage the exchange of information between Tibetans inside Tibet and those living in the global diaspora.

5. Support Independent Tibetan Media Creators ITMO encourages and supports independent Tibetan journalists and media producers, including those creating news programs, interviews, podcasts, documentaries, and special features for Tibetan audiences worldwide.

Origins of ITMO

The International Tibetan Media Organization emerged from deep concern among current and former colleagues of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) following the suspension of both Tibetan-language broadcast services in March 2025.

This abrupt shutdown created a near-total blackout of international Tibetan-language broadcasting into Tibet and resulted in the loss of two highly respected media institutions that had long served Tibetans inside Tibet and across the global diaspora.

In response, VOA and RFA staff initiated sustained advocacy efforts with the U.S. Administration and Congress beginning in March 2025, calling for the immediate restoration of these essential services. These ongoing efforts have received strong support from:

• Tibetan American community organizations across North America

• 147 international Tibet support groups worldwide

• The International Campaign for Tibet

• The Central Tibetan Administration (Tibetan Government-in-Exile)

Alongside these advocacy efforts, Tibetan journalists and media professionals engaged in in-depth discussions about both immediate and long-term responses to the crisis. These conversations were further facilitated by Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, Palden Gyal, Pema Dorjee and Lobsang Yeshi through a series of open community forums.

Through these discussions, a broad consensus emerged: a formal, independent Tibetan media organization was urgently needed — one capable of addressing the immediate information blackout in Tibet while also advancing journalism as a vital pillar of Tibetan society and democratic life. Thus, the International Tibetan Media Organization was born.
The International Tibetan Media Organization is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit media organization founded by experienced Tibetan journalists and media professionals.

ITMO is committed to:

• Producing and supporting high-quality Tibetan-language journalism

• Protecting journalistic ethics and editorial independence

• Building professional capacity among Tibetan journalists

• Fostering cross-border information exchange within the Tibetan world

Our work is guided by the belief that free and independent media are essential to cultural survival, informed citizenship, and democratic resilience.