The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expedited its decision to approve a deal allowing Democrat megadonor George Soros to acquire a major stake in over 200 radio stations
Fox News reported that the move has prompted an investigation by the House Oversight Committee, which is concerned about potential “politicization” and its impact on the 2024 presidential election.
The FCC’s approval of Soros’ acquisition of more than 200 Audacy radio stations has drawn criticism from a Republican commissioner who has expressed objections to the decision, as well as other GOP members of Congress who see the move as blatantly partisan.
The New York Post first reported that the FCC last week “adopted an order to approve Soros’ purchase of more than 200 radio stations in 40 markets just weeks before the presidential election,” which would allow him to reach up to 165 million Americans.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) have accused the FCC of expediting its review of broadcast licenses by bypassing standard procedures.
In response, Comer and Langworthy have sent a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, requesting documents and communications to clarify the rationale behind the FCC’s expedited decision.
Audacy Inc. owns over 200 radio stations. Soros is seeking to acquire $415 million in debt in a Chapter 11 reorganization of the company, Fox reported.
Comer and Langworthy warned that Soros is a financier of organizations “advocating for speech restriction and censorship of conservatives online.” They added: “He will ultimately become a ‘major’ shareholder when the bankruptcy deal concludes.”