The fallout from a fast-tracked dark money deal found the new FCC chairman investigating whether a George Soros-backed outlet was endangering federal agents.
Caution was thrown to the wind ahead of the 2024 presidential election when, in a 3-2 decision, the Federal Communications Commission opted to forego the national security review when Soros Fund Management acquired over 220 radio stations from Audacy. In late January, one of those stations seemingly put U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in peril, prompting FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to probe for potential license violations.
“The FCC will hold broadcasters accountable for complying with their public interest obligations,” Carr told Fox News Digital having opened an investigation into the San Francisco-based KCBS 740 AM.
Having submitted a formal Letter of Inquiry, the chairman sought to determine whether or not the FCC-licensed KCBS had violated the terms of their license when, on Jan. 26, the “KCBS Radio Weekend News” was said to have broadcast specifics about ICE agents “carrying out an operation on the east side of town” while undercover.
“The Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network, which is a community defense projecting system for immigrant communities against deportation threats, first reports the activity on its platforms,” host Bret Burkhart said before providing specifics about the unmarked vehicles being used and the exact location of a number of agents in the San Jose area.
KRON4 confirmed with the office of San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan (D) that an operation had been conducted and that the San Jose Police Department had been notified of the presence of ICE.
“Our police department was notified today that ICE is carrying out an operation in San Jose. We do not have any additional details at this time,” stated the mayor. “SJPD does not assist with or participate in these operations in any way. I sincerely hope that ICE remains focused on enforcement actions related to violent and serious criminals harming our city, not neighbors who are contributing and law-abiding members of our community.”
Ahead of President Donald Trump’s victory against now-former Vice President Kamala Harris, Carr, who would go on to be appointed FCC chair by the GOP leader, spoke out against the apparent “abuse of process” taking place.
In addition to bypassing the review requirements for the Audacy purchase as it exceeded foreign ownership by over 25%, Carr also called out a three-year extension to Dish Network, and its Democrat donor chair Charlie Ergen, to provide access to rural areas.
“I have never heard of the FCC granting relief like this with no process, no public input, and no heads up,” he told the New York Post at the time. “The Democrats in FCC leadership cut a secret- backroom deal–one that kept the Republican FCC Commissioners and perhaps others completely in the dark–and then hustled it out the door on a Friday afternoon.”
FCC accused of unprecedented ‘abuse’ of process after fast-tracking Soros acquisition of 220 radio stations https://t.co/mkgQoKRnlx via @BIZPACReview
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) September 24, 2024
While Audacy did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital for comment, Carr further stated, “I want to express my thanks and appreciation to DHS and ICE agents. These law enforcement professionals are honorably serving this country and carrying out vital missions. Their safety is paramount.”
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