Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is set to provide a comprehensive briefing to Republican lawmakers regarding the agency’s investigation into George Soros and his expanding influence over local radio stations. This development comes amid growing concerns among GOP members about the recent acquisition of more than 200 Audacy radio stations by an investment firm with ties to Soros Fund Management—a move critics say could significantly alter the media landscape ahead of the November elections.
According to reports from Fox News, Carr will meet with members of the Republican Study Committee, a group representing 175 House Republicans, at their annual closed-door lunch on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to shed light on the FCC’s review process concerning the deal and to outline broader strategies to counter what many GOP lawmakers perceive as left-wing media influence.
A source close to the discussions revealed that the focus of Carr’s update will be on how Soros’ financial maneuverings are affecting local radio markets. Specifically, the source noted that the investigation centers on allegations that the acquisition involved bypassing standard FCC procedures, particularly those related to foreign ownership limits. Under current regulations, the FCC has long required a thorough review when foreign entities exceed 25% ownership in media companies. Critics argue that the expedited approval of this deal, which allowed Soros Fund Management to secure a significant stake in Audacy, represents a departure from established norms.
Carr’s previous testimony before the House Oversight Committee raised eyebrows when he stated, “The FCC is not following its normal process for reviewing a transaction,” referring to the controversial acquisition. He highlighted that the transaction appeared to create a shortcut that could allow Soros to influence hundreds of local radio stations rapidly. This explanation has only deepened Republican suspicions that the agency is acting to benefit one of the most influential Democratic donors at a critical time.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Rep. Nick Langworthy have been vocal in their criticism of the FCC’s actions. In a joint statement, they warned that the move could pave the way for Soros to consolidate his control over the airwaves, potentially reaching up to 165 million Americans. They also stressed that the timing of the deal—finalized just weeks before the presidential election—raised serious concerns about political bias and the erosion of established regulatory safeguards.
In addition to the direct investigation into Soros’ influence, Republican critics have pointed to similar issues raised by other lawmakers. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) recently sent a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, questioning the propriety of the expedited process. “Soros Fund Management’s acquisition of over $400 million in debt held by Audacy is deeply concerning,” Roy wrote. He argued that bypassing the foreign ownership review not only undermines the integrity of the FCC’s regulatory framework but also enables the rapid expansion of political influence by a single entity.
The accelerated pace at which the FCC approved the deal has become a focal point of GOP outrage. A key part of the controversy is that the Biden-era FCC appeared to relax its oversight in favor of fast-tracking the deal—a decision that many Republicans argue was made to curry favor with Soros, who has long been a lightning rod for conservative criticism. In fact, prior to the November election, the agency adopted an order that effectively smoothed the path for Soros’ purchase of significant stakes in Audacy’s portfolio, a move that Comer and Langworthy describe as “facilitating his influence over hundreds of radio stations.”
Soros is now seeking to acquire approximately $415 million in debt as part of a Chapter 11 reorganization plan for the company. While proponents of the deal argue that the reorganization is necessary to revitalize struggling media assets, Republican lawmakers fear that it may lead to a profound shift in the national media environment. They claim that Soros, a known financier of groups advocating for speech restrictions and censorship of conservative voices, is positioning himself to become a major shareholder with far-reaching influence over local broadcast news.
This investigation by the new FCC leadership is seen as a crucial step in restoring confidence among conservative lawmakers and the American public. Chairman Carr’s upcoming update to the Republican Study Committee is expected to address these issues head-on, providing detailed insights into how the FCC is handling the review of transactions that could potentially alter the balance of media ownership in the United States.
Moreover, the probe is not just about the specifics of this one deal—it also reflects a broader commitment by the administration to enforce stringent oversight over federal transactions. By meticulously examining the process that led to the rapid approval of the deal, the FCC aims to ensure that all media acquisitions comply with longstanding statutory requirements designed to protect national interests and maintain a diverse, independent media landscape.
As the investigation progresses, the spotlight will remain on the FCC’s role in regulating media ownership and the potential implications for free speech and political influence. With the November elections fast approaching, the outcome of this probe could have far-reaching effects, influencing not only media policy but also the broader political narrative around government accountability and regulatory reform.
