Local News

ACTION ALERT from Greater Philadelphia ZOA Re: Radio Station Ownership Changes

Please see the important ACTION ALERT from Greater Philadelphia ZOA below. Please take the suggested actions

ALERT:

The Soros Fund Management Fund, controlled by none other than George Soros, is soon about to become one of the most influential entities in the radio industry and therefore a dominant figure regarding the control over major source of news, information and opinion in America. The matter will soon be in the hands of the Federal Communications Commission, which has to approve the license transfer.

The Soros Management Fund will be the majority shareholder of Audacy, which had filed for bankruptcy. Among the stations Audacy owns in our area are conservative talk-radio station WPHT-AM, and KYW Newsradio. Soros has financially supported a number of anti-Israel/anti-Jewish organizations and entities. Details about Soros’ anti-Israel activities and how his management fund came to take control are explained in an article linked in the “Background” portion of this ACTION ALERT.

Under new ownership/control, the Soros-controlled radio stations can undergo format changes (i.e. talk to music, news to talk, etc.) and shifts in ideology (i.e. conservative to Leftist) and from fair or supportive of the Jewish community, Israel and Zionism – to anti-Israel, anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist. Already there are so few outlets that accurately portray events in the Middle East or cover the breadth and depth of anti-Jewish activities today.  Therefore, the transfer of the FCC license to the Soros group presents a danger to Israel and Jewry directly, and indirectly if Americans are turned against Israel by major influencers of public opinion.

While the FCC has no say over format or programming, and under FCC rules this ownership change does not create a monopoly, there are legitimate grounds for the FCC denying or rejecting a license. See more in the BACKGROUND section.

ACTION:

There are multiple actions that we suggest:

The Federal Communications Commission commissioners will have to approve the transfer of license to the Soros-controlled group. It is unclear or unknown when the FCC will formally consider the matter. But it is not too soon to alert others about these developments.

Forward this ACTION ALERT including the article below to your email contacts and post it on social media – making sure to emphasize the potential danger to America and especially to the Jewish community, and the need to pro-actively object to the proposed license transfer as soon as possible.

There are formal methods the FCC has put in place to oppose the license transfer, and other ways that advocates can weigh-in regarding the license issue.

You can informally register your opposition by contacting the FCC commissioners via email. Contact FCC commissioners directly follow the processes described on the FCC website under BACKGROUND. See the commissioners’ email addresses below.

File a “Petition to Deny” pleading. The online form is at: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/pleadings/pleadingsType.jsp See detailed instructions at: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/filing-pleading-universal-licensing-system

If the matter has been assigned a docket number by the FCC, one may use the Electronic Comment Filing System, located at: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings

Contacts:

1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322)

FCC commissioners:

Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman

Jessica.Rosenworcel@fcc.gov

Brendan Carr, Commissioner

Brendan.Carr@fcc.gov

Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner

Geoffrey.Starks@fcc.gov

Nathan Simington, Commissioner

nathan.simington@fcc.gov

Anna M. Gomez, Commissioner

anna.gomez@fcc.gov

FCC’s “File a Complaint” page: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

Thank you for your advocacy!

BACKGROUND:

A comprehensive article on the matter:

Anti-Semitism may be Coming to Your Radio Station

By Bruce Holberg

“Don’t be shocked if you tune in to your favorite conservative talk-radio show and instead hear someone of the same political stance as Rachel Maddow or Joy Reid. Before you crash your car or fall out of your chair, you should know what is taking place, why it is taking place, and your role in preventing what could be a severe reduction in conservative and pro-Israel voices on terrestrial radio.

“George Soros, via Soros Fund Management (SFM), has acquired via a bankruptcy bailout a majority position in Audacy Inc, the licensee of 235 radio stations in the United States, plus digital programming, and podcasting outlets. Nationally, Audacy, the second largest radio company in America, claims to reach 200 million people a month through its various distribution channels including a near-monopoly on news and talk-formatted stations in many markets.

“Here is what happened: Audacy, headquartered in Philadelphia, recently declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In its recovery plan, it agreed to have various revenue sources buy its bank debt, and convert the debt to an equity stake in the new Audacy. SFM stepped up and acquired $415 million or about 40% of the broadcaster’s senior debt, making it the largest and controlling shareholder.”

Read the article/backgrounder in its entirety at:

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2024/02/antisemitism_may_be_coming_to_your_radio_station.html

FCC rules, and procedures for objecting to the license transfer:

From the FCC:

“… a petition to deny or informal objection against a station’s license renewal application

must either be filed electronically in the FCC’s electronic database for that application, or by mail.”

“Before you file a petition to deny an application, you should check our rules and policies to make sure that your petition complies with our procedural requirements.

“You can also participate in the application process by filing a petition to deny when someone applies for a new station, when a station is being sold (technically called an “assignment” of the licensee), when its licensee is undergoing a major transfer of stock or other ownership or control (technically called a “transfer of control”), or the station proposes major facility changes.  When filing these types of applications, the applicant is required to publish a series of notices, generally in a local newspaper, containing information similar to that noted above regarding renewal applications.  Once the application is received, the FCC will issue a Public Notice and begin a 30-day period during which petitions to deny the application can be filed.  (All FCC Public Notices are included in the Commission’s Daily Digest and are posted at https://www.fcc.gov/proceedings-actions/daily-digest.)  The Media Bureau’s database will also indicate the date the application appeared on Public Notice. As with renewal applications, you can also file an informal objection to these types of applications, or any other application, at any time before we either grant or deny the application.  Again, please note that a complaint submitted through the “File a Consumer Complaint” link on the FCC’s website will NOT be treated as a petition to deny or informal objection against a station’s pending application.  Rather a petition to deny or informal objection against a broadcast station’s pending application must either be filed electronically in the Media Bureau’s database for that application, or filed by mail.”

See: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/filing-pleading-universal-licensing-system

Some reasons the FCC can deny or reject a license:

See the following link:

https://www.fcc.gov/broadcast-news-distortion


Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s “Information Ambulance” Is Rescuing the Truth from Jew-haters and Other Liars!

It has been said that “The truth is the first casualty of war,” and Greater Philadelphia ZOA aims to offer a remedy by fighting back.

Too many anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist, pro-murder, pro-terrorism, pro-destruction-of-Israel lies have been told in schools, by the news media, on social media, by politicians – and yes, in America’s streets! They are eroding American support for Israel, the surveys show, and they are exacerbating an already unprecedented level of Jew-hatred.

Not every ambulance has a siren or flashing lights – nonetheless, every ambulance is on the street to make a rescue and to save lives.

Such is the case with Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s “Information Ambulance.” Our chapter has decided to rescue the truth from anti-Jewish propagandists and liars whose goal is to spread the sickness of Jew-hatred and resentment of Israel so as to reduce or eliminate Americans’ support for Israel, and to further spike Jew-hatred in America – jeopardizing Jewish lives in America, Israel and worldwide.

Please see photos of the Greater Philadelphia ZOA “Information Ambulance” in action below!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s “Information Ambulance” continues to make the rounds – this week rescuing the truth from anti-Jewish pathological liars and haters at various sites throughout the Main Line, the Penn Campus, Temple Campus, Center City and elsewhere – thanks to the generosity of you, our members and supporters.

We have added even more messages to our roster of facts and calls to action. Among the new messages: demanding that President Biden stop Iran (and including the White House phone number so that those who see our “information ambulance” can call and echo our insistence), our assertion that calling for Israel to “cease fire” is akin to asking the Jewish state to commit suicide, and a reminder to all Americans that Hamas and other terrorists who are attacking Israel today have their sights set on America as well.

Donate by check to:

ZOA

PO Box 56

Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

Please notate “ambulance” on the memo line so that we can earmark it for this project.

Because of issues with our credit card processing site, please call us if you wish to donate by credit card at 610-660-9466.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s mission to rescue the truth to help the Jewish community and Israel!

Have a suggestion for our “information ambulance” to be at to rescue the truth? Please email or call us! office@zoaphilly.org or 610-660-9466.

Please spread the word about this novel Greater Philadelphia ZOA effort – post photos of our “information ambulance” on Facebook, tweet them, add them to Instagram, and make slide shows for YouTube and TikTok. Doing so not only shows what we are doing – it also will help to rescue the truth throughout social media by disseminating these messages as well as the QR code – which has detailed information. Thank you in advance!

It has been on the campuses, in front of shopping centers, at a seat of government, at iconic landmarks and plying busy avenues — bringing the truth about the Middle East to tens of thousands of eyes throughout our region!

 Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s “Information Ambulance” continues to rescue the truth from the anti-Jewish prevaricators and propagandists in the media, the classroom, the campus, the political arena and the public square.

 Thanks to generous donors who have stepped up to support this campaign, more people are getting informed and enlightened about the present and the past.

 Help us keep this effort going!

 We have added messages, reserved more time and increased the number of locations our “Information Ambulance” will be! We are just beginning. Our ZOA chapter covers a lot of ground, and with your support, we will send our “Information Ambulance” to more places both within the city and further into the suburbs.

 

 

 

 


It is Vitally Important to Engage in Advocacy

Each of us must remain vigilant and we must participate in pro-Israel and pro-Jewish advocacy and activism – whether something simple such as buying goods from Israel or helping to keep a friend informed, to donating money to those directly in Israel or who are buying and sending urgently needed supplies to IDF reservists; to grand efforts including going to Israel to volunteer.

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is encouraging advocacy, monitoring the anti-Jewish activities, responding when we can and trying to be pro-active in getting out in front of problems as much as possible. Some of our work is in the public eye such as counter-demonstrations and letters-to-the-editor. Other work we are engaged in is behind the scenes – speaking with school-board members, university presidents and editors and news directors and other officials.

Please see a number of pro-Israel advocacy items below. Now more than ever – for Israel and for American and world Jewry – advocacy and activism is vitally important. There are many advocacy options. Please partake and encourage others to participate. While the needs are great in Israel, if you can: Please also support our fight in the information war.

In addition, accurate information and public opinion are vitally important. If we at Greater Philadelphia ZOA can be of help to you – or if you want to help us at this time – please reach out at 610-660-9466 or office@zoaphilly.org

More Advocacy:

Remember to:

See more at: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/02/buy-israel-flyer-revised-january-2016-p.pdf

Fact Sheets:

https://zoa.org/fact-sheets/

https://zoa.org/biblical-history/

Facts about the U.S.-Israel relationship: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/06/america-and-israel-allies-and-san-remo-updated-063023.pdf

Advocacy resources:

Media Action Guide: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/05/MEDIA-ACTION-GUIDE-march-2023-update-032123.pdf

Contacting Congress: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/07/contacting-congress-and-leaders-updated-032023.pdf

For state officials:

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/

https://legis.delaware.gov/

Consult your city, municipality or township for local officials.

Sources of accurate news and information: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/web-internet-sites-updated-090120.pdf

Advocacy How-To information:

Advocacy how-to: https://philly.zoa.org/join-zoa-philly/advocacyactivism-how-to/

Advocacy Checklist: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/advocacy-checklist.pdf

Advocacy Pro-Active and Reactive: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/advocacy-suggestions-strategy-flyer.pdf

Advocacy/Activism Chart: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/advocacy-activism-strategy-graphic-webinar.pdf

 


Combat Anti-Jewish Media Bias

ADVOCACY

Media bias

The news media can either inform the community or misinform the community. The choice lies with the leadership of the news outlet be it print, TV, radio, or web-based. Anti-Jewish/anti-Israel bias is perhaps more insidious and dangerous in local news outlets, where people largely look at or listen to for weather, sports and a summary of news in the area. Unfortunately there has been a fair share of extremely misleading and false broadcasts, articles and reports both from the Middle East and local reactions to events in the Middle East as Israel defends itself against genocidal attacks. For example, see this particularly egregious report from CBS 3 at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoLVo_PVU0s

You will notice that in that report, not only was there no mention of the slaughter of 1,400 Israelis and the wounding of more than 5,000 additional Israelis on Oct 7 – no mention of 8,000 rockets fired by Arabs on Israeli communities since Oct. 7, no mention of the more than 25,000 rockets Palestinian-Arabs have fired at Israeli communities for the past 22 years, and no mention of the PLO’s “pay-to-slay” murders of Jews and the nearly incessant terrorism and slaughter waged against Jews in the land dating back to at least 1929. The report is an entirely one-sided propaganda piece for the Palestinian-Arab war against the Jewish People.

It is important that those concerned about the well-being of Israel and the Jewish People respond to bad reporting and also engage in pro-active advocacy BEFORE there is a misleading or hatred-inciting report. Phone calls are more effective than emails or letters. You can also attempt to comment on a local news outlet’s social media page. If you call or email: For broadcast news (TV, radio) try to reach the news director or station manager. For print: Try to reach the news editor, executive editor or publisher. Please be mindful to always be civil and to try to be as concise as possible. Remember: The goal is to get the outlet to correct and improve.

See our media guide for contact information and names: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/05/MEDIA-ACTION-GUIDE-march-2023-update-032123.pdf


Greater Philadelphia ZOA Announces 2023 Gala Date, Honorees

We are very excited to once again convene lovers of Israel, Zionists and Jewish advocates and activists and our non-Jewish friends and allies from for a special in-person evening of tribute, inspiration and camaraderie and to celebrate America and Israel, and Zionism and Patriotism! on Thursday, Sept. 7.

We will honor Bart Blatstein with our Pillar of the Community Award;

Justice Sandra Schultz Newman with our Defender of Israel Award;

Stan Casacio and Diane Cardano Casacio with our Friends of Zion Award; and

Michael Goldfarb with our Ben Hecht Award for Outstanding Journalism.

We invite you to please support and participate in our Gala Ad Journal and Tribute Book. Please  place your business advertisements and congratulatory notices early. We have a hard deadline of August 14 – but the sooner you get them in, the easier it is for us.

 

You can learn more about our Gala Ad Journal and Tribute Book at the two links below. There is also information there regarding purchasing reserved tables or individual Gala tickets. You can purchase by check or credit card/debit card.

https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/06/gala-2023-ad-blank-for-email.pdf

https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/06/gala-2023-ad-form-letter-rev-4.pdf

 

If you prefer to purchase ads, notices or tickets electronically, you may do so at our Greater Philadelphia ZOA 2023 Gala page at Eventbrite. Just click on the Eventbrite logo or link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-philadelphia-zoa-2023-gala-tickets-660505879867

Our Gala is our biggest event of the year and also our most important fundraising opportunity of the year.

Please help us be more successful than ever so that we can be more successful than ever in the promotion of and defense of Zionism, Israel and the Jewish People, and to prevent and combat anti-Jewish activity. The need is great for a robust Greater Philadelphia ZOA.

 

If you have any questions or would like more information about our Gala Ad Journal/Tribute Book or the Gala itself, please call us at 610-660-9466.

We are grateful to be able to recognize all that each of our honorees does on behalf of the Jewish People, Israel and Zionism, and we look forward to presenting our award to each of them in-person at our Gala.

This will be our first in-person Gala since 2019 – due to circumstances beyond our control. We so very much look forward to seeing our Greater Philadelphia ZOA Gala “Regulars” as well as new attendees who will become Gala “Regulars.”

Our Emcee for our 2023 Gala will be communal leader, businessman and patriarch of a great family, Gary Erlbaum, who will lend us his panache, wit and talent for the evening.

Our Gala Co-Chairs are Lynne Kessler Lechter and Bruce Holberg, who are lending their talent, time and energy to help make our Gala a great success.

 

If you would like to participate on our Gala Committee to help make our biggest event of the year even better, please call Executive Director Steve Feldman at 610-660-9466.


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