Newsmax has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Fox News, alleging anticompetitive practices. The lawsuit claims Fox News leveraged its dominant viewership to force pay-TV providers into exclusionary contracts. These contracts allegedly prevent competitors like Newsmax from securing adequate distribution. Newsmax states this has hindered its growth on digital platforms like Hulu and Sling. Fox is accused of abusing its market position by coercing distributors with unfair carriage agreements. Examples include preventing partners from carrying rival right-leaning channels and penalizing them for doing so. The complaint also alleges Fox pressured guests not to appear on Newsmax and conducted smear campaigns against the company. Fox denies these allegations, attributing Newsmax's struggles to its own competitive failures. Newsmax argues Fox's actions harm not only competitors but also consumer choice by limiting viewpoint diversity. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and court orders to end exclusionary contracts and restore competition.