A super PAC backing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) continues to receive payments from iHeartMedia, which produces his podcast. (Photo by Wade Vandervort / AFP) (Photo by WADE VANDERVORT/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite government watchdog complaints that the arrangement may violate campaign finance laws, iHeartMedia continues channeling funds to a super PAC supporting Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s re-election campaign.

Recent filings show the media giant funneled an additional $174,000 in “digital revenue” to the Truth and Courage PAC, bringing its total contributions to the super PAC $961,000 through October 16. Overall the PAC has raised $32 million this election cycle.

The money trail from iHeartMedia, formerly called Clear Channel Communications, has drawn scrutiny. Two government watchdogs, Campaign Legal Center and End Citizens United, allege that Cruz is effectively soliciting “soft money” contributions from the corporation, a practice prohibited for federal candidates. In April, the groups filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, contending that Cruz’s podcast generates revenue that is then funneled to the super PAC at his direction. This framework, they argue, could breach laws barring federal candidates from soliciting or directing corporate donations as well as prohibitions on accepting more than $5,000 from a donor per election. A spokesperson for the FEC declined to comment, citing regulations requiring confidentiality until a complaint........

© Forbes