Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., is not mincing words about AT&T DirecTV's censorship of Newsmax, calling the move "pretty brazen."
"Other much lower-rated liberal news sources are getting paid by DirecTV, but they refuse to pay Newsmax, which is a more popular station than these other stations," Harris told Newsmax's "Greg Kelly Reports."
AT&T DirecTV stopped airing Newsmax at midnight Tuesday, depriving the network to 13 million U.S. homes.
"The bottom line is this makes no sense unless it's to deliver on a liberal agenda to deprive Americans of the entire spectrum of viewpoints," Harris said.
Call DirecTV to cancel toll free at 877-763-9762
He noted it could be a few weeks to a month before members of Congress can open an investigation into DirecTV's censorship move.
"It makes no sense, the No. 4 news organization on cable – it makes no sense that DirecTV would deplatform you," Harris added.
Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy called the removal "a blatant act of censorship" and noted AT&T continues to carry 22 liberal news channels.
Harris said AT&T should be responsive to the American people and may heed the outcry from members of Congress, considering the company has a "lot of government contracts."
"They make millions and millions of dollars on federal government contracts," he said.
Further, he noted liberals say they want diversity, but DirecTV is "squashing diversity" by shuttering Newsmax.
DirecTV canceled conservative OAN last year.
Former President Donald Trump added to the rumble earlier this week calling AT&T/DirecTV's canceling of Newsmax "disgusting."
He urged supporters to cancel both DirecTV and other AT&T products, including their wireless and cellular services.
Actions to Take Now
1. DirecTV customers: Call them toll free at 877-763-9762 and demand they bring NEWSMAX back on air. President Donald Trump urges you CANCEL!
- Important: If DirecTV tells you we are still negotiating, that is a lie! They have told NEWSMAX we will never be on a regular cable channel. DirecTV also replaced NEWSMAX with a channel that has no news and no ratings. Also, NEWSMAX's livestream is ending soon on other platforms, so unless you get it on DirecTV, you will have to cancel their service.
2. AT&T customers: Call toll free at 888-855-2338, for any of their cellphones, wireless products, or services, and demand they end their censorship of NEWSMAX. President Trump has urged you to cancel their services.
3. 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!
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