Having already boycotted DirecTV for canceling OAN one year ago, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is urging his supporters to follow his lead after DirecTV's "censoring" of Newsmax this week.
"I would cancel @DIRECTV for censoring @NEWSMAX but I already canceled them for canceling @OANN," Paul tweeted Thursday. "I guess @DIRECTV doesn't want conservative viewers so maybe we should all just quit their services and go elsewhere."
AT&T DirecTV dropped Newsmax from its channel lineup at midnight on Tuesday. It claimed the step was a cost-cutting measure over licensing fees demanded by Newsmax. AT&T made a similar claim last year when it deplatformed conservative OAN.
DirecTV customers call toll free at 877-763-9762 to complain, demand Newsmax is returned! Oppose censorship – sign The Petition – Click Here
Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy noted that less-successful liberal channels, "even with tiny ratings, get fees" from the satellite service.
Ruddy has called the removal “a blatant act of political censorship.”
DirecTV continues to carry 22 liberal news channels, many with low ratings, and all get paid hefty license fees. Newsmax was seeking a small fee as the nation's fourth highest-rated cable news channel.
Former President Trump earlier this week called AT&T/DirecTV’s canceling of Newsmax "disgusting" and urged supporters to cancel both DirecTV and AT&T services, including wireless and cellphones.
Actions to Take Now
1. DirecTV customers call toll free at 877-763-9762 to complain, demand Newsmax is back on air!
2. Call your congressman or senator at 202-224-3121 and demand they stop AT&T/DirecTV's censorship of NEWSMAX — ask them to give you a date on the hearings!
3. Go to our online petition and get more info: iWantNewsmax.com.