Newsmax returns to DirecTV

After mounting pressure from the American public, Newsmax, the popular alternative media platform, has been reinstated to live TV after previously being dropped by DirectTV.

Earlier this year, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy announced his company had been removed from DirectTV's lineup following failed negotiations between the two companies. The alleged “censoring” of the channel was met with widespread backlash from major figures, including former President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.

As Convention of States previously reported, “Several elected officials warned that DirecTV’s actions against “disfavored speech” [constituted] political censorship. ‘DirecTV’s decision follows recent revelations of collusion between Big Tech companies and Democrat officials to label conservative speech as ‘misinformation’ and censor it,’ wrote several U.S senators.... 'The silencing of conservative speech at the request of government officials is a direct assault on free speech and a threat to democracy.’”

DirectTV initially argued the channel was unprofitable, a claim Newsmax disputed. But as of this week, the two companies have reportedly worked out a deal to make Newsmax available to DirectTV’s massive audience again.

“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,” clarified DirecTV’s CEO Bill Morrow.

Similarly, Ruddy expressed his favor for the deal: “Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DirecTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservative ones. 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… customers over the next several years.”

While we may never know exactly what took place between the two companies, we are glad to see DirecTV respond to the American people’s outcry and reinstate Newsmax. It is critical that we continue to have access, as Bill Morrow said, to a “wide array of… perspectives,” as free, self-governing citizens.