The FCC has reportedly escalated its investigation into activities and actions regarding Audacy Inc. by asking the company about reports that aired on one of its all-News radio stations that revealed where undercover Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles and agents would be doing sweeps for undocumented immigrants.
The matter involves top-rated KCBS Radio, heard on 740 kHz and 106.9 MHz across the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose region.
As reported late Tuesday by FOX News, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has directed the Enforcement Bureau to look into whether or not KCBS-AM & KFRC-FM on Sunday, January 26 violated the “public interest” obligations set forth in holding a license by broadcasting the locale of the ICE agents. At the time, they were operating “in an area known for violent gang activity,” FOX News said. The specific make, color and model of a host of unmarked vehicles tied to the ICE operation were broadcast after sharing that the Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network first reported on the activity.
While that may protect KCBS Radio on the grounds that it is sharing information with its audience that is already publicly available, the Carr Commission may not easily accept that argument.
Speaking to the news organization, Carr said, “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. The FCC will hold broadcasters accountable for complying with their public interest obligations.”
An Audacy spokesperson had no comment on the report when contacted by RBR+TVBR on Wednesday morning.
Audacy has come under intense scrutiny from Congressional Republicans and the FCC’s GOP-aligned votemakers for its post-bankruptcy plan, approved by the Rosenworcel Commission during the Biden Administration, which made Soros Fund Management the company’s lead equity interest holder. George Soros is known for his adamant support of Democratic and liberal-themed causes.
Also upon listening yesterday amid 70mph gusty winds in the midst of a bad storm this station also broadcast that California’s governor was planning to go to Washington and ask Trump for more money and not comply with his wishes of documented voter registration, opening up the water supply etc. that would have helped in their latest fire. The KCBS (ad agency readers for Gavin)went on to say Gavin was right on everything Trump said needed to be changed ! As they pontificated and pretended to be Judge and jury on this matter !) I don’t think their opinions are really in the public interest do you Chairman Carr ? I don’t think if Dan Mason or Susan Larkin were CEO now this would’ve ever happened nor the broadcasting of the Ice agents and their cars whereabouts !
Comments are closed.