DirecTV reaches deal to distribute Newsmax after dispute

DirecTV and Newsmax Media on Wednesday announced they reached a multi-year distribution deal for the satellite television provider to distribute the conservative channel – after the two companies were initially unable to reach a carriage agreement. 

DirecTV lost the distributing rights to Newsmax in January after the media outlet started charging fees for its previously free service. 

The channel will again be available to DirecTV subscribers Tuesday. 

"Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DIRECTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservative ones," Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy said after the companies reached a deal.

DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said: "This resolution with Newsmax, resolving an all-too-common carriage dispute, underscores our dedication to delivering a wide array of programming and perspectives to all our customers.

"Through our persistent negotiations, we reached a resolution under mutually-agreeable business terms allowing us to deliver the conservative news network at the right value – a reflection of the free market at work."