AT&T DirecTV's deplatforming of Newsmax is "outrageous" and "not good for free speech in America," according to former Sen. Joe Lieberman.
"I mean, whether I agree with everything on Newsmax or not, it really deserves to be on there," the Connecticut Democrat turned independent said in an interview with Newsmax's "Eric Bolling The Balance" on Tuesday.
"It looks like ideological censorship by DirecTV and that's just plain un-American," he said.
DirecTV customers call toll free at 877-763-9762 to complain, demand Newsmax is returned! Oppose censorship – sign The Petition – Click Here
Newsmax was removed on Jan. 24, making it the second conservative channel AT&T's DirecTV has deplatformed in the past year alone, with OAN taken down last April.
Lieberman, a former Democratic vice-presidential candidate, told Bolling that DirecTV is a "regulated business," and that he "took it personally" when the provider deplatformed Newsmax.
"Chris Ruddy, who started Newsmax, has been a friend of mine, probably for 30 years," he said, adding that he will be signing on to a letter coming out soon to support Newsmax's return to DirecTV.
"I hope they change their opinion because that's not too good for free speech in America and for freedom, which is what we're all about," Lieberman told Bolling.
AT&T DirecTV has claimed both channels were removed because of cost-cutting measures. The company reported profits last year of $2.7 billion.
DirecTV continues to carry 22 liberal-leaning news channels, of all which get paid fees with most having lower ratings than Newsmax.
This week DirecTV claimed Newsmax is demanding "excessive fees" that would cost them in the "tens of millions" of dollars, but Newsmax denies those claims, saying it is seeking a fee of $1 per cable subscriber per year, among the lowest fees sought in cable, and that the amount sought was a fraction of "tens of millions."
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.