Newsmax and DirecTV announced Wednesday they have reached a deal and will re-platform the station after a dispute.
DirecTV dropped the station in January following what the satellite TV provider claimed were failed negotiations regarding fees. DirecTV had previously dropped One America News Network in April of 2022 following pressure from liberals, prompting outcry that the drop of Newsmax was politically charged.
But Newsmax and DirecTV struck a “multi-year distribution deal,” according to Newsmax.
“Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DIRECTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservatives ones,” CEO Chris Ruddy said in a statement. “As a standalone company, DIRECTV gave 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.” (RELATED: ‘Who Is DirecTV Protecting?’: Newsmax Host Calls Out DirecTV Over End Of Service)
NEWSMAX is coming back to DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and U-verse on March 23 after reaching a business agreement. Fortunately, it’s become clear that DIRECTV supports diversified perspectives, including conservative voices. See more: https://t.co/PhYvR88Xf6 pic.twitter.com/x1y4p80PHi
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) March 22, 2023
DirecTV’s CEO, Bill Morrow, said the resolution resolves “an all-too-common carriage dispute” and the new terms allow DirecTV to “deliver the conservative news network at the right value – a reflection of the free market at work.”
After Newsmax was dropped, Senate Republicans sought answers from DirecTV, calling the decision to drop the outlet “deeply” disturbing and questioning whether it was “the latest example of big business suppressing politically disfavored speech at the behest of liberal Democrats.”