Newsmax has been running a shadow campaign on its channel, website, and Facebook to harass cable providers after numerous providers dropped the right-wing network.

In January, Atlantic Broadband, Blue Ridge Communications, Cincinnati Bell, Hawaiian Telecom, and Hargray Communications all dropped Newsmax, which had reportedly paid some cable providers to carry the network. These moves come on the heels of DirecTV dropping One America News, a similar far-right network.

Newsmax has long been a network that pushes scams and lies. It pushes conspiracy theories related to the COVID-19 vaccine and the 2020 presidential election, and freely allows guests to promote political violence. In a desperate attempt for relevancy, Newsmax is now engaged in a strategy of intimidation to stay on the platforms of various cable providers.

Newsmax's campaign has also extended to channels that are still carrying the network. For example, during broadcasts on February 22, Newsmax ran graphics instructing viewers to reach out to cable companies Verizon Fios and Frontier Cable, neither of which appears to have dropped it. That day's graphics -- which were similar to others that often appear on the network -- also targeted Atlantic Broadband Cable, which has dropped it.

On its website, Newsmax tells viewers to fight “censorship” and to demand that Newsmax be carried by their cable providers. These pleas are echoed on Facebook with advertisements that are often identical.

Atlantic Broadband / Breezeline

On its website, Newsmax claimed that Atlantic Broadband “censor[ed]” former President Donald Trump’s January 29 rally because the provider had dropped Newsmax. In a standalone “Drop Breezeline Ohio” microsite linked from Newsmax's Facebook ads (which note that Atlantic is now Breezeline) in February, the network tells readers that Atlantic Broadband’s decision to drop the network was “political.” It further tells readers to “fight back” and cancel their subscription with the cable provider.

Blue Ridge

After Blue Ridge Communications dropped Newsmax, the network told readers that the provider “carried 11 liberal news and information channels” (though it failed to mention which “liberal” channels it was referring to). The article further directed readers to switch their providers. In a standalone “Drop Blue Ridge” microsite linked from Newsmax's Facebook advertisements, the network tells readers to contact Blue Ridge and demand that it carry the network.

Cincinnati Bell

During a February 15 interview with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Newsmax host Sean Spicer addressed Cincinatti Bell’s decision to drop Newsmax. Spicer asked how Paul’s constituents could fight back against the “censoring” of Newsmax. Paul responded by telling his constituents not to subscribe to any cable provider that does not carry Newsmax. Newsmax would run a Facebook ad promoting Paul's statement. The network is also running similar ads and a standalone “Drop Cincinnati Bell” microsite.

Hawaiian Telcom

Newsmax also ran Facebook ads in February targeting Hawaiian Telcom. The network links to a similar “Drop Hawaiian Telcom” page which bizarrely claims that Hawaiian Telcom services parts of Ohio and Kentucky. (Cincinnati Bell and Hawaiian Telcom reportedly share the same owner.)

Hargray

After Hargray dropped Newsmax, the network warned on its website that “They are canceling you.” In a standalone “Drop Hargary” microsite linked from Newsmax's Facebook advertisements, the network tells readers to “cancel Hargray cable service, internet, telecom, or broadband.”

Watch Communications / BRT

In an email obtained by Media Matters, Newsmax told its audience to contact Watch Communications (“BRT”) and demand that Newsmax remain with the carrier.

When the number is called, a prerecorded message from BRT plays, responding to Newsmax’s email by saying, “If you're calling in regards to an email you have received from Newsmax and are a Watch Communications or BRT customer, please note that back in January we did the sign the agreement and will keep providing this channel for you.”

Newsmax is a toxic abyss of conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric. One can only hope that the network’s intimidation tactics will not help further its reach.