Could this be the Amtrak of the airwaves?

Shoestring budget? Check.
Board of directors stuffed with political appointees eager to put their stamp on the company's operations? Yup.
A resultant spottiness of service that leads people to question the company's relevance? Mm hmm.
New chief executive with a lot on his plate? You betcha.

Read this New York Times feature on the Voice of America and see what you think.