EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Leftist billionaire George Soros wields a level of influence in American politics that makes him unrivaled among the left’s most powerful activist donors. He has spent decades and more than $32 billion building an unparalleled network of allies in almost every field of endeavor. That power doesn’t just impact American opinion. Soros, his Open Society Foundations and the charities they fund exercise significant influence around the world — because of his numerous connections with the news media.
Soros’ millions give him access to major media figures and top news outlets, in addition to prominent executives at every level of government around the globe. The journalism groups that Soros supports have the ability to mold public opinion on practically every continent and in many languages. They also insulate him from inquiry because reporters see him as an ally, not a target for investigation.
MRC President Brent Bozell said in a statement that "George Soros' money buys a lot of things. It buys sympathetic coverage of his radical views on criminal justice, abortion, racial politics and climate extremism. And it buys protection from criticism by anyone on the right."
The 92-year-old liberal philanthropist’s multimillion-dollar efforts promote his personal agenda encompassing some of the most radical leftist ideas on abortion, Marxist economics, anti-Americanism, defunding the police, environmental extremism and LGBT fanaticism. Soros reached the pinnacle of his status with top TV news network stars and major news outlet executives involved in the groups he funds. MRC Business examined the breadth of Soros’ influence through global media in an extensive, three-part investigative series. Here are the results:
RECOMMENDATIONS
MRC Business has several recommendations for the media to address their clear conflicts of interest regarding Soros:
Reject Soros Cash
No purportedly ''objective'' journalist should serve on a board or advise any outlet financed by Soros, such as National Public Radio. If academics do so, they should be open about their affiliations and journalists should cover those.
Question Motivations of Sources Funded by Liberal Billionaires
Reporters and editors should be aware when a network of linked organizations deliberately promotes a story. Reporters should not only question the motives of such instances, but also the facts of the case — whether it's on the right or the left.
Spend Time Investigating Soros
Journalists have no trouble finding incentive to do detailed analysis of top conservative organizations and donors, but spend little time questioning the motives or funding of liberal organizations. Reporters should do a more detailed investigation into Soros’ Open Society Foundations and its global influence.
Investigate Soros
Many journalists, anchors, reporters and editors sit on the boards of Soros-funded organizations while simultaneously enjoying prominent roles in news media. Journalists should look into possible conflicts involving their counterparts, whose objectivity could be compromised by their connections to radical liberal billionaires like Soros.
Disclose Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics states that journalists should “[a]void conflicts of interest, real or perceived” and that they should “[d]isclose unavoidable conflicts.” Journalists involved in Soros-funded operations should hew to those guidelines and avoid connection to Soros and his allies.
READ MRC BUSINESS' ENTIRE THREE-PART SERIES ON SOROS' GLOBAL MEDIA INFLUENCE BELOW:
George Soros: Propaganda Powerhouse
MRC Business Researcher Jeffrey Clark contributed to this report.
Conservatives are under attack. Contact ABC News (818) 460-7477, CBS News (212) 975-3247 and NBC News (212) 664-6192 and demand they report on Soros’ ties to the global media.