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AT&T and DIRECTV are getting slammed for deplatforming Newsmax from its TV channel offerings.
The criticism is coming from Republican members of Congress and the public.
A number of Republican members of Congress have sharply criticized the companies including the possibility of holding hearings on the decision to silence the conservative TV network. The canceling of Newsmax from DIRECTV follows the elimination of One America News Network (OANN) last year.
During an interview on Newsmax, Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott said, “Absolutely. We’ve got to get to the bottom of this. This is censorship by companies like AT&T of conservative voices … this has got to stop.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy supports the idea of holding hearings as well.
Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also criticized DIRECTV.
JUST IN: Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for investigations over censorship of Newsmax by DIRECTV
"It's the One American News and the Newsmax who are being targeted. I think it does warrant an investigation […] This is something the Congress needs to look at." pic.twitter.com/5ZXPw06gyx
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 31, 2023
AT&T is a majority shareholder of DIRECTV.
The public is reacting by posting pictures of DIRECTV equipment in the garbage.
More NEWSMAX viewers are saying goodbye to DirecTV, standing against censorship by switching to another TV provider.
Call @DIRECTV at 877-763-9762 to cancel today, or to demand they bring back @NEWSMAX!
Share your own DirecTV "breakup" photos at https://t.co/x0mHP602XT. pic.twitter.com/SweeedFerl
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) February 4, 2023
Most concerning for the companies is the fall in AT&T stock price following the decision to dump Newsmax.
AT&T stock has dropped almost 7 percent since DIRECTV cancelled Newsmax.
I pointed out that AT&T censorship of Newsmax violates the company’s stated values.
@ATT 's censorship of @NEWSMAX violates its stated values: "Embrace freedom. Press, speech, beliefs." Conclusion @ATT @ATTNEWS is lying to shareholders and customers. @ItsOnATT @DIRECTV Cancel cell phone & internet service now! 888-855-2338 pic.twitter.com/YCE6wvno7j
— Tom Borelli, Ph.D. (@tomborelli) February 10, 2023
The fact that DIRECTV pays 22 liberal networks with most having lower ratings than Newsmax shows the decision is political and not business.
The criticism of AT&T and DIRECTV is justified because it’s a political decision aimed at getting rid of a conservative voice which is fundamentally unAmerican.
The board of directors of AT&T must take action to put Newsmax back on air otherwise a shareholder lawsuit will most likely be facing the company.
