Newsmax Inc. has recently filed suit against Fox News, alleging that the network has acted illegally to choke off competition between conservative media companies. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that Fox News engaged in anticompetitive practices that have hindered Newsmax’s growth and market reach within the television industry.
Per the complaint, Fox News has also actively undermined Newsmax’s efforts to obtain broader pay TV distribution. Through this conduct, Newsmax’s attorneys assert that the behavior of these platforms has very concretely affected Newsmax’s ability to attract new viewers and monetize that viewership through advertising. In their arguments, they allege that Newsmax would have drawn more eyes of its own accord. Without Fox’s corroding influence, it might have developed into a much more powerful government player on the media landscape.
Christopher Ruddy, the CEO of Newsmax Inc., explained just how important this lawsuit is. In an exclusive interview, indoors at the New York Stock Exchange, on the morning of April 3rd, 2025. The timing of the discussion was no accident, as it followed the successful initial public offering (IPO) of Newsmax Inc., completed just days before.
Ruddy’s observations highlighted the daunting uphill climb Newsmax and other small fry face in a market increasingly ruled by giants. He focused on the important goal of the lawsuit. It aims to address what he believes are predatory practices that have limited the outlet’s opportunities to thrive.
The allegations made in the lawsuit give voice to an industry-wide concern among media companies about competition and market conditions. Fighting Goliath These smaller networks are courageously taking on the telco and cable industry giants. This legal battle has the potential to significantly alter the course of media competition going forward.
“But for Fox’s anticompetitive behavior, Newsmax would have achieved greater pay TV distribution, seen its audience and ratings grow sooner, gained earlier ‘critical mass’ for major advertisers and become, overall, a more valuable media property” – attorneys for Newsmax
Fox News did not respond for comment on the lawsuit. When contacted by CNBC for comment, a spokeswoman did not respond in time for publication. The legal proceedings are expected to draw attention from industry analysts and media observers keen to see how this case unfolds.