What Happened to Newsmax? Is Newsmax Still Available for Free?

The transformation of Newsmax: Has the conservative site disappeared into the abyss?

What are you paying to watch online? I am paying for Netflix and a few other services. But what’s the most niche service you have subscribed to? Will you support something if it caters to your political leanings?

That’s the question Newsmax watchers will have to answer because it has transformed into the one thing every cable service is becoming nowadays- an app with a plus added to its name. 

Newsmax’s free feed is behind a paywall from November 1, 2023. This service is called Newsmax+ and is available for $4.99 monthly or $49.99 annually. There’s a free streaming channel called Newsmax 2, but it isn’t the main feed. Newsmax+ will offer documentaries, podcasts, comedy, host and guest interactions, etc. 

What’s Going On With Newsmax?

Newsmax is a conservative and right-leaning news channel operational since 2014. They have been a dedicated supporter of former President Donald Trump since his days in office. 

Till now, it was a service that was named Newsmax TV, and anyone could watch its free feed. But that has changed. From November 1, the primary free feed is behind the new Newsmax+ paywall. 

As for why this drastic change was made- it’s due to cable agreements. Previously, the service wasn’t available on DIRECTV for some time. They had dropped Newsmax because of its free streams. So, the right-leaning site is ending its free streams to avoid such issues in the future.

Also, it looks like the service wants a slice of the streaming money and desires to compete with other news giants like Fox News to become more mainstream. The executives believe their loyal audience will subscribe to them for their content. 

The CEO of Newsmax, Chris Ruddy, explained what is new and improved about the paid service. He revealed:

“Millions of Americans are tuning into Newsmax, and we want to give them even more content they can stream at home or on their phones. Subscribers will get all the breaking news, expert analysis, and commentary from Newsmax’s renowned contributors and pundits you can’t find anywhere else.”

But how much will it all cost?

Is Newsmax Still Free?

No, Newsmax isn’t free anymore. Its new avatar- Newsmax+, will cost viewers $4.99 monthly or $49.99 if you prepay for a year. It will offer exclusive ad-free content, guest access, live events, etc. 

There’s a trial period of 15 days that you can avail of before paying for Newsmax+. To sign up, head to NewsmaxPlus.com.

Along with the paid service, there will be Newsmax 2, a free streaming channel. But this won’t be the leading live feed. 

Newsmax+ will offer:

• Documentaries and programs on Joe Biden’s presidency, former President Donald Trump, other former presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, rise in wokeness, religion in America, the Civil War, and much more.
• Comedy specials with Don Rickles and Bob Hope. 
• There will be coverage of live events like rallies, debates, and town halls. 
• Viewers can interact with the guests and hosts of Newsmax, like Greg Kelly, Sean Spicer, Mike Lindell, and Steve Bannon. 
• All news and briefings on health, finance, and politics from worldwide. 
• Podcasts on various topics.

None of these will be available on the free channel Newsmax2. 

Most of their regular viewers aren’t happy with the sudden shift from a free to a paid streaming service. For example:

@Grama641 wrote on X/ Twitter,

“Sorry, I’m deleting your app from my devices. I refuse to pay! We stuck up for you when @DIRECTV dropped you from their lineup; our thank you is now you want us to pay to view, but I’m moving on…”

Another Twitter/ X user, @JohnRgrass2, wrote,

“Millions will not spend a dime on the app when all last year Newsmax touted it being free. We got you back on Directv, and now you want $50/year from us. That is not going to happen.”

What are your thoughts on the newly launched Newsmax+? Will you subscribe to it? Will you watch the free stream on Newsmax 2? Or are you saying goodbye to it altogether?

Let us know in the comments below. 

Source: Newsmax