While Republicans resent the growing stranglehold on the media by liberal mega-donor George Soros, some conservatives wonder why Republican donors are using similar unconventional tactics to shape public opinion. I am wondering why they will not adopt this tactic.
Anti-Soros fervor was reinvigorated by the federal government's hasty takeover of Audacity, a vast media empire with more than 200 radio stations in 40 markets.
Breitbart News reported on Oct. 10 that Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) sent a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, announcing the support for Soros just weeks before Election Day. We sounded the alarm weeks before Election Day with exclusive coverage of a letter demanding answers from the commission promoting the non-profit's takeover of Audacy. The FCC said it bypassed the national security review required for a foreign-funded purchase of that size.
Other Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), also voiced alarm over the FCC's decision, voting 3-2 along party lines. The decision was reportedly made.
But the FCC is unlikely to reverse its decision, and conservatives are concerned about the impact the deal could have on closely contested elections starting in 2024 as Mr. Soros grows in power.
“What you have now is a left-wing Looney Tune that has access to millions of people in every market in the United States,” said David D. Smith, executive chairman of media conglomerate Sinclair Broadcast Group. speak said Gabe Kaminsky washington examiner. “That's scary.”
Soros is the conservative billionaire boogeyman who has successfully funneled vast amounts of wealth to radical liberal causes and politicians, and whose influence is at its peak. Some conservatives fear that the 94-year-old's mission will be carried on through his son, Alex Soros, 38.
“This is not a sudden event. Soros is hungry for power, and the more he centralizes communications, the more control he has over the public sphere, and the more he intends to do so,” said Mark Levin. spoke. examiner.
Most conservatives would agree that the FCC's decision is politically charged and that conservatives have been underrepresented and even unfairly persecuted in the media beyond traditional talk radio.
But there is little consensus on how to fight back.
Some are now calling on mega-donors to take a page from Soros' playbook.
One conservative, channeling Breitbart News founder Andrew Breitbart, called on conservatives to think outside the box. of examiner report:
Conservatives often say that politics is downstream from culture. phrase It is famously attributed to the late journalist Andrew Breitbart, but Scott Walter, president of a research company, pointed out that: think tank The one on the right is called the Capital Research Center. The think tank was founded in 1984 and, according to its website, “examines how foundations, charities, and other nonprofit organizations spend their money and engage in political and advocacy activities.” The purpose is
But the big dilemma, Walter said, is that most conservative donors don't invest in “culture-shaping” institutions, even media chiefs.
“What is the art of being a conservative billionaire?” Walter asked. “In contrast, Soros is making huge investments like this massive radio show. Unless conservative donors invest more, the damage to our nation's culture will only get worse.”
Money is important, but so is medium, and conservatives cannot trust unfriendly platforms to get their message across. Mr. Smith, Executive Chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, said: washington examiner Republicans must ask themselves whether they are willing to do what it takes to influence the political and philosophical direction of the country.
“In today's market, there are four places you can have a voice: the internet, radio, television and newspapers,” he said. “So here's a simple question: If I were standing in front of every billionaire in America right now, I'd say: 'Do you want to have a voice expressing your philosophical point of view?' ”
“If the answer is yes, then okay, here's how,” he continued. They have to decide: Do they really want to keep their money and give it to some nonprofit organization? And they're bemoaning the fact that the Democrats control everything. ”
Mr. Smith is putting his money where his mouth is, investing in multiple media outlets. he Bought of baltimore sun, Maryland's largest daily newspaper launched earlier this year. Additionally, Smith's company, Sinclair, is one of the largest owners of television stations in the United States.
For now, conservative donors are continuing to bet that politicians in Washington will fight for their policies. But as Republicans repeatedly disappoint conservatives and liberal policies become the norm on Capitol Hill, some donors may start looking to do better with their wealth. do not have.
Fortunately, Soros has provided a winning strategy.
Bradley Jay is Breitbart News' Capitol Hill correspondent. Follow him on X/Twitter. @BradleyAJay.
