<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Fox has also tried to deliberately block Newsmax from growing platforms like Hulu, Sling and Fubo, the complaint alleged.<\/p>\n \u201cFox\u2019s behavior represents a textbook abuse of monopoly power,\u201d said Newsmax lawyer Michael J. Guzman. \u201cThe law is clear: competition, not coercion, should decide what news channels Americans can watch. By leveraging its must-have status, Fox has blocked new voices, suppressed consumer choice, and extracted excess profits.\u201d<\/p>\n The lawsuit alleges Fox used an agency to set up social media accounts that attacked Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, and hired private detectives to investigate Newsmax executives. \u201cSince the inception of Newsmax\u2019s cable channel, Newsmax has faced threats and smear intimidation tactics to hurt or undermine the company and its executives,\u201d the lawsuit said.<\/p>\n When Newsmax confronted Fox regarding anti-competitive conduct, Fox News responded, \u201cwelcome to the big leagues,\u201d the lawsuit said.<\/p>\n Newsmax has never approached Fox News in ratings power, but court papers in lawsuits following the 2020 election revealed that Fox executives became greatly concerned that its rival would take advantage of viewer dissatisfaction following President Donald Trump\u2019s<\/a> election loss.<\/p>\n \u201cFox may have profited from exclusionary tactics and intimidation tactics for years, but those days are over,\u201d Ruddy said in a statement.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http:\/\/x.com\/dbauder<\/a> and https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/dbauder.bsky.social<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n