Shaun McCutcheon: DirectTV’s Attack on Free Speech

Individuals can freely express their opinions, ideas and beliefs under the protection of Free Speech without fear of reprisal. DirectTV’s recent action to remove Newsmax is a direct attack against the conservative news outlet. It also violates the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

This isn’t the first time this has happened. DirecTV had announced that it would be removing One America News Network from its programming just a year earlier. There seems to be a media company Groundhog Day – and those who value free speech keep losing to the corporate censors.

Newsmax has been a trusted source of news and information for millions of Americans for many years, providing a diverse range of opinions – admittedly mostly from a conservative viewpoint. It has criticised certain policies and actions taken by the Biden Administration. The channel is also known for its efforts to expose corruption and hold our government accountable. 

There is no question that Democrats and others on the far left of the political spectrum disagree with the ideas presented by the network – but no one is forcing them to watch it. Like how many people on the right dismiss the coverage on MSNBC and CNN. 

The Constitution’s cornerstone is free speech. It is also a fundamental human right that all Americans have. If we lose this essential freedom we will lose out on important ideas, perspectives, and information – and censorship wins. Is it really in our best interest to have only one ideology or corporate concern controlling our access and information?

The forces of cancel culture must stop the freedom of expression and opinion in the marketplace of ideas. All information should be available to help us make informed decisions about issues and which candidates we support. However, DirectTV’s decision to remove Newsmax from its platform has effectively silenced a significant portion of the political spectrum, thereby limiting the free exchange of ideas and opinions that are essential for a healthy democracy.

Free speech in a democratic society is more than protecting individual rights. It also fosters open discussion and diversity of perspectives. The free press is an essential part of democratic governance. It provides a check on government and private sector power. A news outlet that is blocked or canceled sends a chilling message that suggests that some ideas or other viewpoints are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This can undermine the foundation of the USA, and it creates fear and mistrust in the public.

Although it may be a controversial issue for some left-leaning people, free speech is protected regardless of political affiliations or views. This is a right that should be used without fear of retribution.

Cancell culture and censorship are both detrimental to the principles of a free-market economy. DirectTV has removed Newsmax’s platform from its website, effectively limiting the information available to its customers and limiting their ability for informed decision-making. This is especially concerning in an age when access to media and information is more tightly controlled by a few corporations. These corporations can use their power and influence public opinion to silence dissident voices.

It seems that the corporate America and the international left want echo chambers rather than an honest exchange of ideas.

DirectTV’s actions also raise serious concerns about the role of corporations in shaping public discourse and influencing public opinion. A private company can censor news outlets, possibly based on political bias. This is why regulatory measures are needed to ensure that corporations do not interfere in the free flow of ideas and opinions.

While social media and internet have enabled the spread of news and information, they also make it easier for corporations, governments and foreign political organisations to control the flow (until Elon Musk seized Twitter). As the lines between digital media and traditional media blur, the threat of censorship is growing.

DirectTV attacked freedom speech and our Republic’s principles by blocking access to Newsmax. This situation is threatening the future of media and free speech. This goes beyond accessing political talk shows. It’s about the defense of fundamental principles of free speech.

Shaun McCutcheon (Free Speech Advocate, Alabama-based Electrical Engineer, founder of MultipolarMcCutcheon, a successful plaintiff in the Supreme Court case McCutcheon against the FEC.