Republican lawmakers have intensified their investigation into billionaire George Soros’ recent acquisition of hundreds of U.S. radio stations, sparking concerns over media ownership and national security. Soros, known for his vast donations to liberal and Democratic causes, became the center of controversy after his involvement in purchasing these stations came to light, just ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The acquisition stems from the bankruptcy of Audacy Inc., the second-largest radio company in the United States. Earlier this year, Audacy filed for bankruptcy, which allowed a Soros-backed fund to take control of a significant portion of the company’s debt. As a result, the fund gained ownership of more than 200 radio stations nationwide. What has especially outraged Republican lawmakers is the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to fast-track the purchase, including waiving rules that typically limit foreign ownership of U.S. media outlets.
FCC Waiver Sparks Controversy
At the core of the dispute is the FCC’s approval of the acquisition, which bypassed regulations under Section 310(b) of the Communications Act of 1934. These rules are designed to limit foreign ownership of U.S. media companies to protect national interests. However, the FCC approved the transaction on September 30, allowing 25% of Audacy to be indirectly foreign-owned, without the usual review process.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, expressed her concerns about the FCC’s handling of the case. In a statement issued on Monday, Rodgers criticized the decision to grant a foreign ownership waiver without sufficient review, calling for more transparency. “Licensees and investors need certainty that the FCC will follow its rules and procedures when approving transactions so that the broadcast industry can have the resources it needs to continue serving the public,” she said.
Republican Lawmakers Demand Answers
In response to the expedited FCC approval, Republican members of Congress sent a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, demanding clarification on the process. The letter requested a briefing and further information by October 18 to explain why the FCC deviated from its standard protocol and bypassed a more thorough investigation into the ownership deal.
The letter raised key questions about how the FCC assesses foreign ownership of media companies, the criteria it uses for granting waivers, and the reasons behind voting on the Audacy application at the commission level, rather than delegating the action to bureau staff. Lawmakers are particularly focused on understanding if the transaction received preferential treatment due to Soros’ political influence and financial clout.
National Security Concerns and Potential Election Impact
Critics of Soros argue that his acquisition of over 200 radio stations raises serious national security concerns. With a quarter of the company now indirectly foreign-owned, some lawmakers worry about the potential for outside influence in the dissemination of news and information to the public, especially during an election year. The timing of the acquisition, so close to the presidential election, has further fueled concerns that Soros may leverage these media outlets to shape political narratives and influence voter sentiment.
Republicans are framing this issue not just as a question of media ownership but also as a matter of protecting U.S. sovereignty. If the ongoing investigation reveals that the FCC did not follow standard procedures, lawmakers may push for further actions, including congressional hearings or even legal challenges to the acquisition.
Moving Forward: Calls for Accountability
Republican lawmakers have stressed the importance of transparency in the FCC’s decision-making process, particularly when foreign ownership of U.S. media outlets is involved. The acquisition by a Soros-backed fund has ignited fears about media consolidation and political influence in a crucial election year. As the investigation continues, there may be calls for tightening media ownership rules and ensuring that the FCC follows its established guidelines without exception.
If irregularities are found in the FCC’s approval of the Soros purchase, it could lead to a larger debate about the influence of billionaires on U.S. media and politics, particularly when foreign ownership is in question. As lawmakers await further answers from the FCC, it remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and what actions will be taken to address the concerns raised.