RFA has one bureau in Hong Kong, smaller offices in Tokyo, Taipei, Phnom Penh, Dharamsala, Bangkok and Seoul and individual reporters in many other key locations in Asia, the United States and other parts of the world. Incorporated in the District of Columbia, RFA is a journalistically independent organization whose autonomy is key to providing objective domestic news and information to its listeners. In preparing its programming, RFA follows the strictest journalistic standards of objectivity, fairness, quality and integrity, avoiding bias toward any people, government or nation. Listener confidence in the quality and credibility of its broadcasts is RFA's highest priority. The U.S. Congress authorized the creation of RFA through the International Broadcasting Act of 1994.
Funding is obtained from an annual federal grant.
Incorporated as a private organization in March 1996, RFA began broadcasting in September 1996. The president of RFA is Richard Richter, who brings a long and distinguished career in print and broadcast journalism to his office. Daniel Southerland, vice president of programming and executive editor, is a veteran newspaperman who has reported from Asia for much of his professional life.