Congressional Republicans Seek Scrutiny of Audacy Restructuring Involving Soros
The FCC should scrutinize requests from restructuring radio group Audacy for expedited foreign-ownership review as part of the purchase of its stock by George Soros-affiliated entities (see 2404230054), said letters to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel from Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
Nicholas Langworthy, R-N.Y., posted in docket 24-19 Friday. In nearly identical replies, Rosenworcel told the legislators that Media Bureau staff “would review the record and decide if the transfer is in the public interest.” She added, “A copy of your letter will be placed into the record of the proceeding.” Transfer of control of Audacy, the nation’s second-biggest radio group, “to a fund that itself is owned by a deeply partisan individual, could have a fundamental impact on the nature of local radio and potentially silence political viewpoints,” Langworthy wrote. “I believe that this sale is the latest in a series of moves by a partisan, progressive billionaire to consolidate control over the media and flood hundreds of local radio stations with far-left ideology and propaganda.” Roy focused on Audacy’s request for an expedited review process. “The FCC’s review of this Soros transaction will naturally draw close public scrutiny,” Roy wrote. “It is imperative that the FCC run a fair and transparent process -- one that abides by the requirements of the law -- that thoroughly reviews the concerns posed by foreign ownership of American radio stations.” Roy said Rosenworcel should “commit to not creating a Soros shortcut” by May 7. Rosenworcel’s reply didn’t mention Roy’s deadline.