In the wake of recent reports that Sputnik, a Russian radio network, allegedly used U.S. airwaves to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election cycle, members of Congress penned a public letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai requesting an investigation into the incident.
The letter, signed by U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), also called for the enforcement of the public interest standard for licensed stations that broadcast the network.
“Recent reports suggest that Sputnik was used as part of the Kremlin’s efforts to influence the 2016 election,” the members wrote. “In Washington, D.C., listeners need only tune their radios to 105.5 FM to hear the Russian government’s effort to influence U.S. policy. Disturbingly, this means the Kremlin’s propaganda messages are being broadcast over a license granted by the FCC.”
According to a report from the New York Times Magazine, actors within the Russian Sputnik network utilized U.S. airwaves to spread false information in order to cause issues during the election, even going so far as to allege that the election results were hacked or rigged in favor of a specific candidate.
As part of the Communications Act of 1934, the FCC has the ability to take actions necessary to ensure broadcast licenses are in the public interest and convenience.
The recent request serves as a follow-up to a March letter sent to Chairman Pai concerning over-the-air broadcasting of RT, a Russian-funded news network. In 2012, RT was accused of broadcasting anti-U.S. messaging in order to undermine the 2012 presidential election cycle.