By Casey Harper (The Center Square)
Republican lawmakers have intensified their investigation into billionaire George Soros’ recent acquisition of a significant number of U.S. radio stations.
Soros, a prominent donor to Democratic and liberal causes, raised eyebrows when he purchased American radio stations shortly before the election, prompting Congressional scrutiny.
The acquisition process began when the major radio company Audacy filed for bankruptcy. Through a complex business arrangement, Soros gained control of the stations.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers highlighted on Monday that the deal involved “25% of the company being indirectly foreign owned,” normally necessitating Federal Communications Commission review. However, the review was waived, expediting the deal.
Rodgers, along with around 40 Republican lawmakers, penned a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel demanding clarification on the matter. This letter marks the latest Congressional inquiry into Soros’ acquisitions.
“We write to better understand the recent decision made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive its foreign ownership rules to fast track the purchase of more than 200 radio stations in the United States (U.S.) by a Fund backed by a Democrat mega-donor,” the letter stated.
As previously reported, House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., and Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., raised similar concerns in a letter to Rosenworcel last month.
The letter expressed concerns about the FCC’s accelerated approval of licenses for a company in which George Soros holds a major ownership stake, with stations in 40 media markets reaching “more than 165 million Americans.”
It is apparent that the FCC majority is expediting and potentially bypassing established processes to favor George Soros and enhance his influence over hundreds of radio stations before the upcoming election.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
