FCC's Carr To Brief Lawmakers On Soros/Audacy Probe

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is scheduled to brief Republican lawmakers on an ongoing investigation involving billionaire George Soros during a closed-door meeting today.

Fox News Digital reports the briefing is hosted by the Republican Study Committee (RSC), a group of 175 House Republicans led by Rep. August Pfluger of Texas. The focus of the discussion is Soros’ influence over local radio stations, specifically tied to an investment firm linked to him that purchased a significant stake in over 200 Audacy radio stations across the United States.

Brendan Carr

The investigation stems from concerns raised by Republican lawmakers about a deal that saw Soros’ investment fund acquire roughly 40% of Audacy’s debt following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The acquisition, which occurred under the Biden administration, was reportedly expedited by the FCC, prompting criticism from figures like Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana. They, along with others, have questioned whether the FCC bypassed its standard review processes, particularly given rules about foreign ownership limits in U.S. broadcast media, which cap foreign stakes at 25% unless a thorough national security review is conducted.

Carr, who was appointed FCC Chairman by President Trump and has a history of advocating for transparency in media dealings, signaled his intent to scrutinize this transaction late last year. During an interview in November 2024, he mentioned a pending petition for reconsideration at the FCC and expressed his desire to take a “very hard look” at the matter. The closed-door meeting is expected to cover not only the specifics of the Soros investigation but also broader strategies for addressing perceived biases in media ownership that Republicans argue disadvantage their interests.

This briefing comes amid heightened attention to Soros’ media influence, especially following reports of a Soros-backed radio station in San Francisco broadcasting the locations of undercover ICE agents earlier this year, an action that triggered a separate FCC probe. Carr’s engagement with lawmakers reflects ongoing tensions over media control, foreign investment, and regulatory oversight as the Trump administration pushes its agenda in 2025.