DirecTV said it added the conservative channel The First to its schedule after removing Newsmax from its schedule in a dispute that angered Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Featuring the likes of Bill O’Reilly and Dana Loesch, The First will be available on DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and U-verse at no additional cost to subscribers. Previously, it was only available via streaming, including on FAST networks.
The announcement comes as Newsmax airs on DirecTV. AT&T’s satellite service and private equity firm TPG blamed Newsmax’s removal for insisting on its demands for “significant fees” from DirecTV at a time when the conservative network already offered free streaming services on streaming platforms and is available online. Those fees must be passed on to consumers, according to DirecTV.
However, Newsmax claims it is censored, and notes that free streaming will end later this year. “DirecTV believes that Newsmax should receive ZERO cable royalties despite being the fourth highest paying cable news network in the country, according to Nielsen,” the company said in a statement.
In a statement, Newsmax said: “While we are pleased that AT&T DirecTV is adding a conservative commentary channel, it is a pathetic attempt to deal with millions of angry viewers who still want Newsmax for our top shows, personalities and in-depth news. ” Cover. You can’t replace a Cadillac with a Honda.”
A group of lawmakers fired off a letter to officials at DirecTV, AT&T and TPG protesting the move, and Rep. Mary Miller (R-TX) in a segment on Newsmax Thursday, blamed the move about the size of technology companies. Newsmax also noted that DirecTV dropped One America News Network, another conservative broadcaster, last year. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) called for a Senate hearing.
Ron Thun, DirecTV’s chief content officer, said in a statement that the satellite network “values diverse viewpoints and perspectives and will always work to maintain an expanded selection of a variety of entertainment and information services that fit its unique tastes and interests.” fit our diverse customer base. As we have done successfully with other emerging channels, we look forward to helping The First continue to expand its audience reach while ensuring strong value is delivered to our customers.”
DirecTV has lost subscribers in recent years due to cable outages, particularly in its traditional satellite business, but it still has about 13 million customers. This makes it one of the largest pay TV providers in the United States
Dade Hayes contributed to this report.
Author: Ted Johnson
Source: Deadline
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
