Nearly two dozen Jewish leaders call on ATT/DirecTV to reinstate Newsmax

A group of 23 Jewish leaders wrote last week to ATT/DirecTV in support of Newsmax, a conservative news channel recently removed from the provider's lineup, contending that its presence was necessary amid a rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric.

"As leaders in our community we represent millions of Jewish Americans," the group wrote. "NEWSMAX has been a crucial way for us to reach our fellow Americans to share our perspectives on anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, the State of Israel and other matters important to our community."

The group characterized the channel as an "invaluable voice" in their efforts, lamenting that other networks have been hesitant to grant them a platform from which to voice their concerns.

"We are asking you to re-consider your decision to remove NEWSMAX," they went on. "We believe that AT&T benefits by keeping NEWSMAX on air. By removing this channel, your companies will lose significant support from the Jewish community."

The outlet has contended that DirecTV's decision to remove it from the channel lineup was a "blatant act of political discrimination." DirecTV, meanwhile, contends that it made the decision amid cost-cutting efforts after the network demanded a license fee. The network contends that the fee it demanded was below market value and that DirecTV often pays larger fees to other outlets with lower ratings.

DirecTV has asserted previously that it sought to keep Newsmax in its lineup, but that it could not agree to the license fee demand. The provider has been under intense scrutiny from the political right since it removed conservative outlet One America News from its lineup in 2022.

The Jewish signatories to the letter include several rabbis as well as conservative media figures such as Newsweek Editor Josh Hammer and Harvard Law School Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz.

Bryan Leib, a spokesman for the signatories, noted that the network enjoyed strong ratings and lamented the loss of the pro-Israel platform.

"We are deeply disappointed and troubled that the nation's 4th highest-rated cable news network and a stalwart ally of Israel, covering the issues of concern to American Jews, was removed by AT&T," he said in a press release. "Considering the rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in the U.S., we believe NEWSMAX is needed now more than ever."

"We believe now is the time for AT&T to reverse this decision and put NEWSMAX back on air," he concluded.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.