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.
