DirecTV has cut a deal to continue carrying right-wing network Newsmax Media.
The television provider dropped the outlet earlier this year and got push back from GOP lawmakers who said the decision was ideologically motivated. However, the company insisted that it was the result of a contract dispute that is becoming increasingly common as TV and streaming providers struggle to keep prices low enough for consumers.
"This resolution with Newsmax, resolving an all-too-common carriage dispute, underscores our dedication to delivering a wide array of programming and perspectives to our customers," said Bill Morrow, CEO of DirecTV. "Through our persistent negotiations, we reached a resolution under mutually-agreeable business terms allowing us to deliver the conservative news network at the right value – a reflection of the free market at work."
DirecTV said it resolved similar disputes with approximately 50 programmers or station groups over the past five years.
"Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DIRECTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservative ones," said Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, in a press release. "As a standalone company, DIRECTV helped give Newsmax its start nearly a decade ago as it continues to do with upcoming news networks, which is why we are pleased to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that will deliver our network to DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM and U-verse customers over the next several years."
