According to a new report from Semafor, George Soros’ Open Society Foundations and left-wing Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss are discreetly supporting a non-profit that purchased nearly two dozen local newspaper in Maine in July.
The National Trust for Local News acknowledges receiving financing from Soros’ foundation, but denies receiving funding expressly for the purchase of local newspapers.
However, a source with intimate knowledge of the transaction reportedly said that Soros and Wyss did pay monies to the National Trust in order for the papers to be acquired; the gifts had not previously been revealed.
Wyss also supports States Newsroom, a left-wing network of local news sources founded by the left-wing Hopewell Fund. States Newsroom is extending its activities in Maine.
According to Maine Public, the Soros-backed National Trust now owns the state’s largest newspaper network.
The National Trust purchased five daily newspapers and 17 weekly magazines in all.
Wyss is a big supporter of progressive organizations in the United States, donating almost $500 million to left-wing advocacy organisations. A watchdog group, Americans for Public Trust, claims that the Swiss millionaire employs a foreign influence loophole to carry out his donations.
Soros has always supported media outlets.
According to a Media Research Center analysis, Soros has donated $52 million to media organizations since 2003.
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