Message Regarding Potential Future Payments for U.S.-Based Former Employees

Dear Colleagues:

Several of you have asked questions about the possibility of severance for employees recently laid off because of the actions of USAGM. As you know, Virginia law requires MBN to pay you your annual leave balances. The same is not true of severance. By the way, neither of these payments is governed by the law requiring MBN to pay wages, because payments for annual leave and severance are not “wages.” MBN has paid all employees all wages owed.

Because we recently received additional funding, you will shortly be paid for all your owed annual leave. We are currently assessing whether and/or when we might also be able to pay severance. We appreciate your continued patience as we work through the myriad legal and financial challenges caused by USAGM.

Thank you.

Anne Noble

MBN General Counsel