  We present a natural mechanism which may induce an electric charge into an
accretting black hole in the presence of a strong, high energy radiation field.
We study this mechanism using Newtonian physics, and we also discuss the
process within the context of a Kerr Newman black hole. Finally, we consider
possible astrophysical applications in X-ray variability and jet formation in
the Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN).
