Republicans are expressing significant concern regarding the growing influence of liberal megadonor George Soros over the media landscape. This has prompted some conservatives to question why Republican benefactors are not employing similar innovative strategies to influence public opinion. The renewed opposition to Soros has been fueled by the federal government’s expedited approval of his acquisition of Audacy, a substantial media conglomerate that operates over 200 radio stations across 40 markets.
On October 10, Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) sent a letter to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, seeking clarification on the commission’s swift approval of a Soros-affiliated nonprofit’s acquisition of Audacy just weeks prior to the upcoming elections. He raised concerns about the FCC’s decision to forgo a national security review, which is typically required for transactions of this magnitude involving foreign funding.
Other Republican figures, including Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative Chip Roy (R-TX), have also voiced their apprehensions regarding the FCC’s ruling, which was reportedly decided along party lines with a 3-2 vote. However, it appears unlikely that the FCC will reverse its decision, and conservatives are increasingly worried about the implications of this acquisition for the closely contested 2024 elections and beyond, as Soros continues to expand his influence.
“What you now have is a left-wing Looney Tune who has access to millions of people in every market in the United States of America,” David D. Smith, the executive chairman of the Sinclair Broadcast Group media conglomerate, told Gabe Kaminsky of the Washington Examiner. “That’s scary.”
Soros, often viewed as a controversial figure by conservatives, has effectively directed substantial financial resources towards progressive causes and political figures, reaching a pinnacle of influence. There are concerns among some conservatives that the 94-year-old’s endeavors may persist through his son, 38-year-old Alex Soros.
“This is not a flash in the pan. Soros is power hungry, and the more they can centralize communication, the more they can control the public square, the more they are going to do it,” Mark Levin told the Examiner.
