How Newsmax’s Cable-Fee Fight Spiraled Into the Right’s Latest “Censorship” Crusade

March 01, 2023

One America News, or OAN, the far-right, pro-Trump network, had been dropped by DirecTV last spring, causing a minor stir among Republicans and conservatives. Last month, YouTube TV dropped MLB Network after the two sides were unable to reach a carriage agreement. A dustup between a cable network and distributor is suddenly rocket fuel for partisan warfare. With neither side able to strike a deal before the deadline on January 24, DirecTV dropped Newsmax from its lineup––and the network’s boosters have been going to the mattresses ever since. Trump called it a “disgusting move” and vowed to end “all association” with AT&T and DirecTV.