Newsmax Replacement on DirecTV Features Bill O’Reilly

(NewsReady.com) – DirecTV recently revealed it was dropping Newsmax from its lineup after negotiations for a contract renewal hit a dead end. While some Conservatives expressed outrage over the decision, accusing the cable provider of discriminating against Republicans, the network’s replacement was made public.

On January 26, DirecTV announced it was launching a conservative network called The First on all of its platforms. The new network signed a multiyear contract with the cable provider, ensuring that it will be on air for a while. It is also going to be free to customers both on TV and its streaming platforms.

First TV will have a number of well known Republicans in its lineup. Former Fox News star Bill O’Reilly will host one of its shows. Dana Loesch, the former spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association and radio host, is also one of its stars.

Big news! @TheFirstonTV will soon be available on @DirecTV! With the recent addition of The Liz Wheeler Show to The First’s lineup, I'm excited to bring these much-needed messages and stories to the homes of millions of DirecTV customers.https://t.co/f9m7PWyOIP

— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) January 27, 2023

First TV CEO Christopher Balfe told PR Newswire that he believes DirecTV “recognizes the importance of offering a wide array of views and perspectives” to American customers. He went on to say his network will now reach members of the Right who are not “beholden to any one party’s talking points.”

DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun told said the company will continue to serve an array of customers who have different tastes. First TV will help them do that.

A number of Conservatives are still upset about DirecTV’s decision to get rid of Newsmax. The company explained the decision was based solely on cost. The Right-leaning channel was free to viewers, but Newsmax wanted a rate increase that would have been carried over to customers.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) called on House Republicans to investigate DirecTV. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said he is worried about the company dropping Newsmax. However, he stopped short of calling for a probe.