The Federal Communication Commission’s recent decision to delay the buildout that would bring internet to rural communities has sparked controversy and criticism. Commissioner Brendan Carr has called it „the worst abuse of agency process“ he has seen in his twelve years at the FCC. The decision to grant Dish Chairperson Charlie Ergen up to three more years to bring service to remote communities without any public input or transparency has raised concerns about the fairness of the process.
The move to delay the buildout comes at a time when billions of dollars have been allocated to build rural broadband networks, yet many remote communities still lack coverage. This decision has left many questioning the priorities and effectiveness of the FCC under the current administration.
In addition to the delay in the rural internet buildout, the FCC recently approved a controversial deal that fast-tracked left-leaning billionaire George Soros‘ acquisition of radio stations reaching over 165 million Americans. This decision has also been criticized as political, with insiders questioning the lack of transparency and due process in approving the deal.
The FCC’s decision to expedite Soros‘ purchase of radio stations raised concerns about foreign ownership of US media outlets, as existing rules prohibit foreign companies from owning more than 25% of radio stations. Soros took foreign investment to make his bid, prompting a request for an exception to the usual review process. The fast-tracking of this deal without a national security review process has raised eyebrows and led to calls for a more thorough examination of the transaction.
The implications of Soros‘ acquisition of radio stations that reach millions of Americans are significant, as it could potentially influence the content and messaging broadcasted to a wide audience. The concerns about the impact of this acquisition on media diversity and political discourse have led to calls for a more rigorous review process by the FCC.
Meanwhile, Charlie Ergen’s request to extend the deadline for providing coverage to rural communities was granted by the FCC in an unprecedented manner. The expedited approval of Ergen’s request without public input or a vote by the Commission has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process at the FCC.
The special treatment received by Ergen and Soros has raised concerns about political influence and favoritism within the FCC. The close ties between Ergen and key administration officials, as well as the political contributions made by him and Soros, have fueled suspicions about the motives behind these decisions.
In response to the criticism, a Dish spokesperson emphasized that the FCC’s updated framework would benefit consumers by enabling EchoStar to enhance its network buildout and provide better pricing and innovation. However, the lack of transparency and due process in these decisions has cast a shadow over the FCC’s credibility and integrity.
As the controversy surrounding the FCC’s recent decisions continues to unfold, the need for accountability, transparency, and fairness in regulatory processes has become more apparent. The implications of these decisions on media ownership, rural connectivity, and political influence highlight the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring that the public interest is prioritized in regulatory decision-making.