Newsmax on Wednesday filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against cable news rival Fox, alleging the network used unfair practices to illegally stifle competition among conservative cable networks.
Why it matters: The lawsuit alleges Fox News has used its viewership dominance to coerce pay-TV providers to sign exclusionary contracts that prevent cable networks like Newsmax from getting adequate distribution.
Zoom in: In a statement, Newsmax said Fox “abused its dominance in the right-leaning pay TV news market for years by coercing distributors into unfair carriage agreements designed to exclude or marginalize competitors like Newsmax.”
The other side: “Newsmax cannot sue their way out of their own competitive failures in the marketplace to chase headlines simply because they can’t attract viewers,” Fox News said in a statement.
Between the lines: The lawsuit, filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, makes the case that Fox’s tactics didn’t just harm Newsmax, but consumer choice as well.
Zoom out: Fox and Newsmax have a contentious history. In its lawsuit, Newsmax cited evidence that Fox News executives were threatened by Newsmax’s ratings growth following the 2020 election.
What’s next: Newsmax is seeking monetary damages as well as court orders that would prevent Fox from continuing exclusionary contracts and mandate “equitable relief to restore competition in right-leaning pay TV news.”
Sara Fischer, a digital media and technology reporter at Axios, is a trusted voice on the evolving intersection of media, advertising, and tech. Known for her sharp analysis of trends shaping the future of media, she dives deep into the dynamics of platforms like Disney, Netflix, and Google, offering insightful perspectives on how companies are leveraging data and tech to transform the ad landscape. Fischer’s expertise in dissecting the strategies behind streaming wars, global expansion, and advertising innovation makes her a dynamic keynote speaker capable of illuminating the shifting contours of the digital economy. With her keen eye on the next big media move, she helps audiences understand what’s coming next in the rapidly changing world of tech and advertising. Fischer’s speaking engagements are managed exclusively by WWSG. To host her for your event, contact us
Anderson Cooper 360º: American spacecraft has landed on the moon for the first time in 50+ years
The lunar lander Odysseus, created by Houston-based company Intuitive Machines, successfully landed on the moon’s surface at 6:24p ET Thursday and has sent back its…
One reason so many are quitting: We want control over our lives again
The pandemic, and the challenges of balancing life and work during it, have stripped us of agency. Resigning is one way of regaining a sense…
Thought Leader: Amy Cuddy
Scott Gottlieb: How well can AI chatbots mimic doctors in a treatment setting?
This is an Op-ed by WWSG exclusive thought leader, Dr. Scott Gottlieb. Many consumers and medical providers are turning to chatbots, powered by large language…
Thought Leader: Scott Gottlieb
Sara Fischer on Meta’s AI Infrastructure Push
Thought Leader: Sara Fischer
Sara Fischer on How Politics Is Reshaping Media
Thought Leader: Sara Fischer
