Newsmax, the conservative news channel that has been a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, has announced that it will no longer be free for its viewers. The reason for this decision is to launch a new premium service called Newsmax+, which will offer exclusive content, live events, and access to its hosts and guests.
In this article, we will explain what Newsmax+ is, what are the recent news headlines that Newsmax has covered, and what are the possible reasons for Newsmax’s move to a paid subscription model.
Newsmax Goes Premium
- Launch of Newsmax+: Newsmax has revealed that it will launch a new streaming service called Newsmax+ in November 2023, which will cost $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Newsmax+ will offer original programming, documentaries, podcasts, and behind-the-scenes footage that will not be available on the free channel. Newsmax+ will also feature live events, such as rallies, town halls, and debates, that will allow viewers to interact with Newsmax’s hosts and guests.
- Move over Netflix: Newsmax’s CEO, Christopher Ruddy, has said that Newsmax+ will be a “game-changer” in the news industry, and that it will compete with other streaming giants, such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Ruddy has claimed that Newsmax+ will have a “huge audience” of loyal and engaged viewers, who are looking for an alternative to the “liberal media” and the “fake news”. Ruddy has also said that Newsmax+ will have a “unique advantage” over other news channels, such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, because it will offer a “more balanced and fair” coverage of the news.
- Benefits of Newsmax+: Newsmax has said that Newsmax+ will offer many benefits to its subscribers, such as:
- Ad-free viewing: Newsmax+ will have no commercials or interruptions, which will enhance the viewing experience and save time.
- Exclusive content: Newsmax+ will have exclusive shows, documentaries, podcasts, and interviews that will not be available on the free channel or anywhere else.
- Live events: Newsmax+ will have live events, such as rallies, town halls, and debates, that will allow viewers to participate and ask questions to Newsmax’s hosts and guests.
- Access to hosts and guests: Newsmax+ will have access to Newsmax’s hosts and guests, such as Sean Spicer, Greg Kelly, Steve Bannon, Mike Lindell, and others, who will share their insights and opinions on the news and politics.
- Support for Newsmax: Newsmax+ will support Newsmax’s mission to provide a “voice for real Americans” and to “expose the truth” about the “corrupt and biased” mainstream media.
Recent News Headlines
Newsmax has been covering the following news headlines in the past few weeks:
- Biden administration’s handling of Gaza conflict: Newsmax has criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, accusing it of being “weak” and “indecisive” and of “betraying” Israel. Newsmax has also praised Trump for his “strong” and “pro-Israel” stance and for his “historic” peace deals in the Middle East.
- Rep. Comer’s statements on subpoenas to the Bidens: Newsmax has reported on the statements of Rep. James Comer, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, who has said that he will issue subpoenas to President Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden, and other members of the Biden family, if the Republicans win back the House in 2024. Comer has said that he wants to investigate the Bidens for their “corrupt” and “shady” dealings with foreign countries, such as China and Ukraine.
- Former officer’s guilty plea in Tyre Nichols’ death: Newsmax has reported on the guilty plea of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who has admitted to violating the civil rights of Tyre Nichols, a 17-year-old black teenager who was shot and killed by Chauvin in 2017. Chauvin has pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Chauvin is already serving a 22.5-year sentence for the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
- Tuberville’s dismissal of long work days for military brass: Newsmax has reported on the remarks of Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, who has dismissed the complaints of the top military leaders about the long work days they have to endure. Tuberville has said that he does not “feel sorry” for the military brass, who have to work “12 or 14 hours a day”, and that they should “quit” if they do not like it. Tuberville has also said that he works “18 hours a day” and that he does not “whine” about it.
- Latest updates on political trials and investigations: Newsmax has provided the latest updates on the ongoing trials and investigations involving various political figures, such as:
- The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 18-year-old who is accused of killing two people and injuring one during the protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020. Newsmax has defended Rittenhouse, saying that he acted in “self-defense” and that he is a “patriot” who was trying to protect the city from the “violent” and “radical” protesters.
- The investigation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Republican from Florida, who is facing allegations of sex trafficking, prostitution, and having sex with a minor. Newsmax has supported Gaetz, saying that he is a “victim” of a “smear campaign” and a “witch hunt” by the “deep state” and the “fake news” media.
- The investigation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Democrat from New York, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, nursing home deaths, and corruption. Newsmax has condemned Cuomo, saying that he is a “disgrace” and a “criminal” who should resign or be impeached.
Possible Reasons for Newsmax+ Launch
Newsmax has not given a clear explanation for its decision to launch Newsmax+, but there are some possible reasons that can be inferred from its situation and performance:
- Increase in production and operation costs: Newsmax may have faced an increase in its production and operation costs, due to the expansion of its staff, studios, and programming. Newsmax may have also incurred legal fees, due to the lawsuits and threats of lawsuits from various entities, such as Dominion Voting Systems, Smartmatic, and Eric Coomer, who have accused Newsmax of spreading false and defamatory claims about the 2020 election.
- Need for additional revenue: Newsmax may have needed additional revenue, due to the decline in its advertising revenue and viewership. Newsmax may have lost some of its advertisers, due to the backlash and boycotts from some of its controversial and inflammatory content. Newsmax may have also lost some of its viewers, due to the loss of interest and trust in its coverage of the 2020 election and its aftermath.
- Competition with other news sources: Newsmax may have faced competition with other news sources, both from the mainstream media and from the alternative media. Newsmax may have struggled to compete with the mainstream media, such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, which have more resources, reach, and credibility. Newsmax may have also struggled to compete with the alternative media, such as OAN, The Blaze, and Breitbart, which have more niche and loyal audiences.
Conclusion
Newsmax, the conservative news channel that has been a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, has announced that it will no longer be free for its viewers. The reason for this decision is to launch a new premium service called Newsmax+, which will offer exclusive content, live events, and access to its hosts and guests. Newsmax+ will cost $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, and will compete with other streaming giants, such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Newsmax has said that Newsmax+ will be a “game-changer” in the news industry, and that it will offer a “more balanced and fair” coverage of the news and politics. Newsmax has also said that Newsmax+ will support its mission to provide a “voice for real Americans” and to “expose the truth” about the “corrupt and biased” mainstream media. Some of the possible reasons for Newsmax’s move to a paid subscription model are the increase in its production and operation costs, the need for additional revenue, and the competition with other news sources.