House Republicans to Receive Update on Trump-Era Probe into George Soros’ Influence on Local Radio

Edited by: Fern Sidman

House Republicans are set to receive an update on the Trump administration’s probe into billionaire George Soros’ expanding influence over local radio stations across the United States. According to Fox News Digital, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) will be briefed on the matter during a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, featuring Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr. The meeting, which is part of the RSC’s annual policy luncheon, will focus on Soros’ media investments, particularly his stake in over 200 Audacy radio stations, and broader GOP concerns over media bias.

One of the key topics of discussion at the RSC meeting will be Soros’ role in Audacy’s bankruptcy restructuring, where an investment firm linked to the billionaire acquired a 40% stake in the company’s debt following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. As reported by Fox News Digital, Soros’ involvement in Audacy, one of the largest radio station owners in the country, has alarmed Republican lawmakers who fear an increased left-wing influence over local radio content.

Prominent GOP members, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), have publicly denounced the deal, calling for strict oversight of the transaction. Their concerns align with broader Republican apprehensions about liberal control over media outlets, which they argue can skew political narratives and silence conservative voices.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has long been vocal about media fairness and regulatory oversight, is expected to provide GOP lawmakers with an in-depth briefing on the FCC’s ongoing investigation into Soros’ media acquisitions. As the report at Fox News Digital indicated, Carr has signaled his intent to closely examine Soros’ influence in media, particularly following the petition for reconsideration currently pending at the FCC regarding the Audacy acquisition.

In a November 2023 appearance on Mornings with Maria, Carr made it clear that he intended to take “a very hard look” at the FCC’s role in approving Soros-backed media transactions. His latest update to House Republicans will likely include details on the FCC’s legal authority to review and potentially challenge Soros-linked acquisitions on regulatory grounds.

The Republican Study Committee, which boasts 175 members, is the largest caucus in the House GOP and serves as an influential policy hub within the Republican Party. As the Fox News Digital report highlighted, the RSC has positioned itself as a think tank for conservative lawmakers, regularly hosting high-profile briefings on key legislative and political issues.

Beyond media bias concerns, the RSC has played a significant role in shaping Republican policy priorities across a wide range of issues. Earlier this year, the group hosted Trump administration officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who spoke about immigration policies and Trump’s executive action plans, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who discussed Republican energy strategies.

 The meeting with Carr is part of a larger effort by House Republicans to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat perceived liberal bias in the media. According to the Fox News Digital report, in addition to discussing Soros’ influence, the RSC’s closed-door session will focus on broader media accountability measures, including potential legislative and regulatory actions to curb left-wing control of mass communication platforms.

Republican lawmakers have increasingly criticized mainstream media companies, arguing that many disproportionately favor progressive narratives while limiting conservative viewpoints. With Soros’ investment firm gaining a controlling stake in a major radio network, some Republicans worry that local news and talk radio—which have traditionally served as a key platform for conservative voices—could shift toward more left-leaning programming.

As Fox News Digital reported, the FCC investigation into Soros’ involvement in Audacy remains a high-priority issue for Chairman Carr and GOP lawmakers. The petition for reconsideration, which remains pending, could lead to further scrutiny of Soros’ media acquisitions and possibly intervention by federal regulators.

If the FCC finds irregularities in the deal, it could take steps to block or reverse aspects of the transaction. Additionally, Republican legislators may pursue legislative avenues to strengthen oversight of foreign and billionaire-backed media ownership, particularly when it involves entities with a clear political agenda.

With concerns over media bias growing, and Soros-linked investments expanding, the FCC’s investigation into Audacy could mark the beginning of a broader push to reassert conservative influence in American media. House Republicans, led by Rep. August Pfluger and the RSC, are making it clear that they will not allow media conglomerates to fall under unchecked left-wing control without scrutiny and a strong response.