DirecTV has announced it is adding conservative commentary network The First to its channel lineup.
As part of the multi-year agreement, The First will be a free channel available on DirecTV as well as DirecTV Stream and AT&T U-verse.
“DirecTV clearly recognizes the importance of offering a wide array of views and perspectives to their customers across the U.S., and we’re thrilled The First is now among them since we reach conservatives who aren’t beholden to any one party’s talking points,” said First TV CEO Christopher Balfe. “We give rise to voices who are passionate about American values yet too often ignored, and now have a unique opportunity to broaden our reach without saddling DirecTV and its customers with any added financial demands.”
The news of the addition of The First comes on the heels of the satellite provider dropping conservative cable news outlet Newsmax from its offerings. Congressional Republicans have threatened public hearings over the decision by DirecTV to drop the cable channel.
According to Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, DirecTV told the channel ‘We’re not gonna pay you a dime. We’re not gonna pay you a penny. We’re paying you nothing.’ With the addition of The First to its lineup, DirecTV maintains a free conservative cable option for subscribers.
“DirecTV values different viewpoints and perspectives and will always work to preserve expansive choice among a wide variety of entertainment and information services to appeal to the unique tastes and interests of our diverse customer base,” said DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun. “As we’ve successfully done with other emerging channels, we look forward to helping The First continue to expand its audience reach, while constantly ensuring that our customers receive a strong value.”
The First currently features shows from some of the largest conservative voices, including The Dana Show with Dana Loesch, The Liz Wheeler Show, No Spin News with Bill O’Reilly, and I’m Right with Jesse Kelly.
