Siskiyou News Chat with Bill Meyer at KMED 106.3

Thank you Bill Meyer for taking to time to chat about the censorship issues we are facing on a daily basis.

Local news organizations play a vital role in keeping communities informed, yet increasingly face obstacles in sharing content on social media platforms. Small news outlets often encounter “automated” content filters and moderation systems that mistakenly flag legitimate reporting as spam or problematic content.

This creates a significant challenge for news providers who rely on platforms social media platforms like Facebook to reach their audience and maintain engagement within their communities. While these systems aim to reduce misinformation and spam, they can inadvertently impact authentic local journalism.

Despite constitutional protections for free speech and press, the reality is that large tech platforms and media conglomerates effectively control the flow of information with little accountability, leaving smaller voices and local news outlets struggling to maintain their presence and share important regional perspectives that may differ from mainstream narratives.

The question is…
Why are so many other users also having the same issues with censorship when speaking out in a public forum. Could it be, “The controllers do not want you talking about being controlled.”

Or this bit of latest national news:

George Soros, the billionaire activist and Democratic donor, has recently been involved in a controversial acquisition of radio stations in the United States.

Here are the key details:

George Soros has reportedly been approved to purchase Audacy, the second-largest chain of radio stations in the U.S.

This acquisition includes:

• 220 American radio stations across 40 markets
• A reach of approximately 165 million listeners monthly

The deal involves Soros buying $400 million of debt in Audacy after the company declared bankruptcy, making him its largest shareholder.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has apparently fast-tracked the approval of this purchase:

• The approval was granted in a 3-2 vote, with three Democrats outvoting two Republicans
• This expedited process has been criticized as bypassing standard procedures, particularly regarding foreign ownership review
• The deal would typically require a thorough review due to foreign ownership concerns, as FCC rules limit foreign ownership of radio stations to 25%

The acquisition has raised several concerns:

• Political Influence: Critics worry about potential changes to programming, especially given that Audacy currently broadcasts conservative voices like Sean Hannity and Mark Levin
• Election Timing: The purchase is occurring close to the U.S. election, leading to concerns about media influence
• Past Actions: Soros has a history of purchasing media companies and altering their leadership and content, as seen in Poland

The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into the FCC’s handling of this deal:

• They are requesting documents and communications to understand the approval process
• Representatives James Comer and Nick Langworthy have expressed concerns about bypassing established procedures

This acquisition appears to be part of a broader strategy by Soros to expand his media influence:

• He has been investing in podcast platforms and purchasing radio stations in major media markets
• This move comes at a time when 31% of all media consumption in the United States consists of audio content

The situation continues to develop, with ongoing debates about the implications for media ownership, political influence, and regulatory processes in the United States.

Citations:
https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/soros-buys-over-200-radio-stations-weeks-before-u-s-election/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAJNC-4vdQE
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-oversight-probes-fccs-expedited-approval-soros-purchase-200-radio-stations-ahead-election
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/trouble-shooters/fcc-approves-controversial-radio-station-deal-involving-soros-backed-group
https://readlion.com/fcc-fast-tracks-approval-of-soros-affiliated-groups-purchase-of-200-radio-stations-gop-cries-foul/
https://www.nbcmontana.com/news/nation-world/george-soros-taking-shortcut-to-buy-200-us-radio-stations-fcc-commissioner-says-commissioner-brendan-carr-of-the-federal-communications-commission-democratic-dem-influence-billionaire-foreign-money-transaction-nick-langworthy-house-committee-media
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/george-soros-fund-buys-400-165211641.html
https://oversight.house.gov/release/comer-langworthy-probe-politicization-of-fcc-with-shortcut-decision-to-facilitate-a-george-soros-deal-to-obtain-a-major-stake-in-over-200-radio-stations/