Newsmax needs to sue DirecTV over the programming distributor's decision to drop the network from its lineup, Judge Andrew Napolitano told Newsmax.
Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge, appeared on Thursday night's "Eric Bolling The Balance" and was asked about DirecTV deplatforming Newsmax.
"My take is that it's probably an antitrust violation, which is intended to decrease the competition in the marketplace for conservative views, even though there are First Amendment implications," Napolitano told Bolling.
DirecTV customers call toll free at 877-763-9762 to complain, demand Newsmax is returned! Oppose censorship – sign The Petition – Click Here
"My advice to your great boss [Newsmax CEO] Chris Ruddy is to get a good law firm and file that lawsuit."
DirecTV has claimed both Newsmax and OAN were removed as "cost-cutting" measures at the same time the company reported profits last year of $2.7 billion.
This week DirecTV claimed Newsmax was demanding "excessive fees" that would cost them in the "tens of millions" of dollars.
Newsmax has denied these claims, saying it was seeking a fee of about $1 per cable subscriber per year, among the lowest fees asked for in cable, and that total amount of the deal was a fraction of "tens of millions."
"This was never about the fees being excessive," Ruddy said. "DirecTV's position has always been that Newsmax of all cable news channels should never get any cable fee whatsoever, not one penny."
DirecTV continues to carry 22 left-leaning news channels, many with much lower ratings than Newsmax. And of those channels get license fees.
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.