Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee implored Newsmax viewers to tell AT&T’s DirecTV that "you just don't matter to us that much anymore" as their customers can easily switch to another service the carries the popular network.
The former Republican presidential candidate said that the only way deplatforming can end is if there's "a cumulative impact of people" speaking up who are viewers, stockholders, and lawmakers
His comments comes a day after AT&T DirecTV removed Newsmax, depriving 13 million homes of its programming.
DirecTV customers call toll free at 877-763-9762 to complain, demand Newsmax is returned! Oppose censorship – sign The Petition – Click Here
This is the second time in a year AT&T DirecTV deplatformed a conservative channel, removing popular OAN in April of 2021.
Newsmax is the nation’s 4th highest-rated cable news channel and a top 16 channel for daytime cable, reaching 25 million regular viewers, according to Nielsen.
"Here's a company that's paying CNN, one of the most disgusting, despicable excuses for a news channel. And they won't pay fair with a legitimate channel like Newsmax," Huckabee told Newsmax’s "Prime News" on Thursday.
This week former President Trump echoed Huckabee’s sentiment, chiding AT&T DirecTV for carrying liberal CNN and MSNBC with “lousy ratings.”
Trump has called on his supporters to cancel DirecTV and also AT&T products, including cellphones and wireless services.
"Newsmax may have a point of view, but then who doesn't? But the point is that there are a lot of Americans who really like Newsmax. The growing audience says so," Huckabee said.
He added that "customers need to let their voices be heard."
AT&T DirecTV has claimed the step was a cost-cutting measure, making a similar claim last year when it deplatformed OAN.
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.
The AT&T DirecTV move has drawn rebuke from leading Senators, Congressmen and others across the country.
AT&T's move comes despite Newsmax being the fourth highest-rated cable news channel in the U.S., a top 20 channel overall, and watched by 25 million Americans on cable alone.
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.
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