The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to fast-track a deal that would put more than two hundred radio stations into the hands of a left-wing billionaire prior to November’s elections.
The investigation is looking into the “potential politicization and apparent attempts to interfere in the 2024 election by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),” the Committee said in a press release Wednesday.
“The American people won’t stand for backroom deals designed to silence conservative voices and rig our media landscape in the critical months before election day,” Committee Member Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) said in a social media post announcing the probe.
At issue is a bankruptcy deal through which left-wing activist billionaire George Soros plans to buy $415 million dollars of debt owed by Audacy, Inc., a company in Chapter 11 that currently owns more than two hundred radio stations.
Rep. Langworthy’s post provides a copy of a letter he co-signed with Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) sent Wednesday to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel informing him of the probe:
“The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating an apparent attempt by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) majority to interfere in the 2024 election and politicize the work of the FCC. The FCC appears to be bypassing standard processes and procedures in an unprecedented way to benefit a Democrat megadonor acquiring a major equity stake in hundreds of local radio stations across the country.”
Soros’ purchase of Audacy’s radio station is an extension of his ongoing bid “to consolidate control over the airwaves,” the letter warns.
The letter reminds the FCC Chair of his commission’s duty to determine whether “the public interest will be served by the refusal or revocation of such license” – a duty it appears to be shirking in order to “do a favor” for Soros and increase his influence over the upcoming election:
“Despite the unprecedented nature of this action, the FCC majority has apparently decided to approved licenses on an accelerated timeframe for a company in which George Soros has a major ownership stake, and with stations in 40 media markets reaching “more than 165 million Americans.
“By all appearances, the FCC majority isn’t just expediting, but is bypassing an established process to do a favor for George Soros and facilitate his influence over hundreds of radio stations before the November election.”
The Oversight Committee is demanding Rosenworcel turn over documents and communications regarding the FCC’s approval of the Soros deal by October 3, 2024.
Today, @GOPOversight Chairman @RepJamesComer and I are investigating the FCC’s actions to fast-track Democrat megadonor George Soros’ purchase of 200+ radio stations.
— Congressman Nick Langworthy (@RepLangworthy) September 26, 2024
The American people won’t stand for backroom deals designed to silence conservative voices and rig our media… pic.twitter.com/y2yvFILIA8