The Soros radio deal
House Republicans are probing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for allegedly fast-tracking a deal that allows a company tied to George Soros to maintain control of over 200 radio stations, raising concerns about potential political influence ahead of the 2024 election.
House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., announced in a press release an investigation into the FCC expedited review process for a deal involving Audacy, Inc., in which George Soros, a prominent Democratic donor, is acquiring a substantial equity stake.
The lawmakers are questioning whether the FCC's actions reflect political bias and are intended to influence the 2024 election.
The deal under scrutiny would grant Audacy, Inc., which operates over 200 radio stations across 40 media markets, continued control of its broadcast licenses despite significant foreign ownership, which typically undergoes extensive FCC review.
In a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, the lawmakers requested documentation and communications related to the decision to understand better the agency's motivations and adherence to its standard procedures.
"The Audacy, Inc. deal will lead to the company being partially 'directly or indirectly controlled' by foreign individuals or entities holding 'more than one-fourth of the capital stock,' which necessitates FCC approval to ensure 'the public interest will be served by the refusal or revocation of such license,'" wrote Comer and Langworthy. They emphasized that the FCC has a well-established, years-long process for evaluating such cases, which was last updated in 2016.
During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr expressed concerns over what he described as a "shortcut" in the review process.
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I am pretty sure that I would knowingly listen to a Soros-owned radio station. I do not agree with his politics. I will look for Fox stations.
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