Senate Republicans Demand Answers From DirecTV For Nuking Newsmax

On Wednesday, a group of Republican Senate members wrote to DirecTV executives to demand that the satellite service clarify its decision to remove Newsmax, a conservative news channel, from its airwaves. The Let me know Satellite giant accused of political censorship by far-left Democrats

“DirecTV’s decision follows recent revelations of collusion between Big Tech companies and Democrat officials to label conservative speech as ‘misinformation’ and censor it,” They wrote. “The silencing of conservative speech at the request of government officials is a direct assault on free speech and a threat to democracy.”

Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas; Lindsey Graham from South Carolina; Mike Lee of Utah; and Tom Cotton in Arkansas. Share First with The Hill

DirecTV pulled Newsmax last week. This was less than one year after it removed the conservative One America News Network from its listings. Lee and Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley were both present in March. Send a letter to DirecTV’s parent company, AT&T, that alleged the telecom giant’s chairman was prioritizing personal interests over the company’s fiduciary obligations to shareholders.

“These facts raise serious questions about the role of political influence in DirecTV’s programming decisions,” The two lawmakers wrote. “as well as whether AT&T’s Chairman has allowed personal financial considerations to influence his oversight.”

Recently re-elected Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel condemned DirecTV’s final decision to axe Newsmax from its channel lineup in a statement Wednesday.

“DirecTV’s decision to censor Newsmax — the fourth-highest rated program on cable TV — is a slap in the face to voters who pay the network’s bills,” McDaniel said. “The fact that DirecTV continues to support and pay full fees for smaller, hard-left networks shows that this is yet another instance of clear bias against conservatives.”

DirecTV customers will no longer have Newsmax, but the California-based provider announced last Wednesday that it was adding The First to its lineup. This conservative network features prominent right-leaning pundits like Dana Loesch, Buck Sexton, and more.

“DirecTV values different viewpoints and perspectives and will always work to preserve expansive choice among a wide variety of entertainment and information services to appeal to the unique tastes and interests of our diverse customer base,” Rob Thun, DirecTV’s chief content officer, said in a Press release “As we’ve successfully done with other emerging channels, we look forward to helping The First continue to expand its audience reach, while constantly ensuring that our customers receive a strong value.”

According to The Hill representatives from DirecTV were identified “made it clear to Newsmax that we wanted to continue to offer the network,” But it cited network demands for rate hikes DirecTV found unsustainable.

The Senate gave DirecTV until February 15, 2015 to answer questions about Newsmax’s cancellation decision.

Tristan Justice is The Federalist’s western correspondent and author of Social Justice Redux. This conservative newsletter focuses on culture, wellness, and health. He has also been a writer for The Washington Examiner, and The Washington Post.

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