In a huge win for conservative media outlets, Newsmax has reached an agreement with TV provider DirectTV to keep the news network on the air.
From The Daily Wire:
Newsmax, which claims to reach 25 million Americans each week, was removed by DirecTV in January and said it was targeted by the cable company because of its Right-wing political leanings. DirecTV, which is owned by AT&T, argued that it dropped Newsmax simply due to failed carriage negotiations, but then announced on Wednesday that the companies finally reached an agreement, CNBC reported.
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Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy, who previously accused DirecTV of “political discrimination and censorship,” said he was grateful for the new deal with the cable company that helped launch the network in 2014.
“This resolution with Newsmax, resolving an all-too-common carriage dispute, underscores our dedication to delivering a wide array of programming and perspectives to our customers,” DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said in a statement.
“Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DirecTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservative ones,” Ruddy said. “As a standalone company, DirecTV helped give Newsmax its start nearly a decade ago as it continues to do with upcoming news networks, which is why we are pleased to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that will deliver our network to DirecTV, DirecTV STREAM, and U-verse customers over the next several years.”
Prominent conservative voices celebrated the news on Twitter, including Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
When we speak up loud enough, we’re heard.
DIRECTV & NEWSMAX have reached a deal and NEWSMAX WILL RETURN!
This is a huge win for We The People!
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) March 22, 2023
The agreement between @NEWSMAX & @DIRECTV announced today is a HUGE win in protecting the right of conservative viewpoints & voices to be heard.
Proud to have helped facilitate this pivotal business renewal.
Texas will ALWAYS defend First Amendment rights. pic.twitter.com/CSZohXEfnp
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 22, 2023
Proud to help deliver this #RESULT: @NEWSMAX has returned to DIRECTV. It is important that the American people have the freedom to choose where they get their news. https://t.co/RnCEN048hl
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) March 23, 2023