Newsmax returns to DirecTV after dispute, censorship claims
LOS ANGELES >> DirecTV's dispute with conservative network Newsmax — which turned bitter when the small channel enlisted support from Republican politicians — is ending with Newsmax returning to programming lineups of satellite TV customers.
The two companies announced a truce Wednesday after reaching a new distribution agreement that will restore Newsmax to DirecTV customer homes this week.
El Segundo-based DirecTV has long maintained that dropping Newsmax in late January was strictly a business decision, coming only after the controversial Boca Raton, Florida, channel failed in its attempts to play hardball during carriage negotiations.
But Newsmax protested its removal from DirecTV, claiming censorship based on its politics. On air and online, Newsmax complained — without evidence — that DirecTV's actions were driven by a disdain for conservatives.
Although the channel's viewership is low, Newsmax has Republican friends in high places.
Members of Congress, who enjoy appearing on the channel that has become a cheerleader for right-wing causes, called for investigative hearings into DirecTV's action. Former President Donald Trump — whose rallies provide Newsmax with its highest ratings — called the move “disgusting” and urged people to cancel their subscriptions to DirecTV and AT&T's mobile network. AT&T is part-owner of DirecTV.
But this week, Newsmax's chief heaped praise on DirecTV.
“Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DirecTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservative ones,” Christopher Ruddy, Newsmax chief executive, said in the statement. “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.”
Newsmax will return to the traditional satellite TV platform as well as to Uverse and the digital DirecTV Stream service.
Other terms of the distribution deal were not disclosed.
DirecTV executives had bristled over Newsmax's censorship claims, noting the previous agreement expired in January, and DirecTV lacked legal authorization to continue to broadcast the channel.