Casey Harper (Center Square)
Republican lawmakers on Monday stepped up their investigation into billionaire George Soros’ takeover of a U.S. radio station.
Soros is a major donor to the Democratic and liberal movements whose purchases of U.S. radio stations just before the election prompted congressional scrutiny.
The deal came as radio giant Audacy filed for bankruptcy. Through a complex business deal, Soros took control of the station.
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Notably, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said in an announcement Monday that the deal would include “indirect foreign ownership of 25% of the company,” which would generally be subject to the Federal Communications Commission. He said it would trigger a review by the Commission.
However, that review was waived and the deal moved forward quickly.
Rodgers led lawmakers in a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel demanding answers on the issue. The letter, signed by about 40 Republican lawmakers, is the latest congressional investigation into Soros’ purchases.
“We are writing to you to better understand the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent decision to waive foreign ownership rules to expedite the purchase of more than 200 radio stations in the United States through funds backed by Democratic giants. I write. -Donor,” the letter said.
“This process appeared to deviate from the normal sequence in which the FCC has historically reviewed transactions under Section 310(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, and the timing appears questionable because this approval occurred shortly before the presidential election.” continued.
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Like the central square before reportedHouse Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., sent a letter to Rosenworcel late last month raising similar concerns.
“Despite the unprecedented nature of this action, the FCC majority ruled that stations in 40 media markets, in which George Soros holds a major ownership stake, serve ‘more than 165 million Americans,’” the letter said.
“By all accounts, the FCC majority is not just rushing ahead, but circumventing established processes to curry favor with George Soros and promote his influence on hundreds of radio stations before the November election,” he added.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
