Viewers who have tuned into the conservative news channel Newsmax in recent weeks may think they are watching a telethon.
The Boca Raton, Florida-based outfit's anchors have been pounding away at satellite TV provider DirecTV, which dropped Newsmax on Jan. 25 after the two sides failed to come to terms on a new carriage agreement. There have been pleas urging viewers to call the El Segundo-based DirecTV and its majority stakeholder, AT&T, and demand the return of Newsmax to DirecTV's channel lineup.
Such disputes are common in the pay TV industry, but this one has taken on the look of a nasty political campaign. On air and online, Newsmax has complained, without evidence, that DirecTV's actions are driven by its disdain for conservatives.
