In a David and Goliath Battle: Newsmax Takes on Fox News

Newsmax, Inc., founded in 1998 by journalist Christopher Ruddy, is an American multimedia company specializing in cable news, political opinion commentary, and digital media. It operates Newsmax TV, a cable news channel launched in 2014, along with its website Newsmax.com, which includes sections like Newsmax Health and Newsmax Finance, and a monthly print magazine. The company went public in March 2025 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with additional offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.[1][2][3][5] Newsmax TV quickly grew as a conservative media outlet, positioning itself as a competitor to Fox News by recruiting former Fox personalities such as Rob Schmitt, Greg Kelly, and Bill O’Reilly. It primarily targets a right-wing and conservative audience, often providing coverage that other mainstream outlets consider more far-right. The network has expanded its reach to over 40 million Americans regularly and is the fourth highest-rated cable news channel in the U.S. It also began broadcasting in the UK in 2023 via Freeview Connect.[1][2][4] Newsmax is known for its strong conservative stance, particularly during and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where it supported Donald Trump and conservative government officials. It has earned a reputation as a platform for conservative viewpoints and is recognized as a significant player in the U.S. media landscape by outlets like Forbes and Reuters Institute.[2][4] The company operates in a highly competitive industry, contending with traditional broadcasters, streaming platforms, and social media for audiences and advertising revenue. Newsmax continues to adapt by expanding its digital presence through streaming channels, social media, and apps, aiming to maintain and grow its audience amid evolving media consumption habits.[3][6] Notably, Newsmax serves as a landing spot for cable news personalities who have faced controversies elsewhere, reflecting its role as a dynamic and sometimes controversial force in conservative media.

## Overview Fox News, formally known as the Fox News Channel (FNC), is a leading American cable and satellite news network, renowned for its conservative-leaning commentary and round-the-clock news coverage. Launched in 1996 under the vision of Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes, it quickly established itself as a major force in U.S. media, challenging established networks with a distinctive blend of news reporting and opinion programming[2]. Today, Fox News is a flagship asset of Fox Corporation, a multinational mass media company controlled by the Murdoch family[1][6]. ## What Fox News Does Fox News delivers 24-hour news coverage, combining live reporting with opinion-driven shows that emphasize conservative perspectives[2][3]. Its programming spans breaking news, political analysis, business updates, and lifestyle content, reaching audiences via television, digital platforms, audio, and streaming services such as Fox Nation[3][7]. Fox News Media also operates Fox Business Network, Fox News Digital, Fox News Audio, and Fox Weather, collectively reaching nearly 200 million people monthly[3][7]. ## History and Growth Fox News launched on October 7, 1996, with innovative visual storytelling and a focus on personality-driven shows, setting it apart from competitors[2]. Despite initial challenges gaining carriage in major markets, it rapidly grew its audience by catering to viewers seeking an alternative to mainstream, left-leaning news outlets[2]. Over the years, it has expanded its digital footprint, launching streaming platforms and dominating social media metrics—most recently logging 1.1 billion YouTube views in a single quarter, more than any other U.S. news brand[7]. ## Key Achievements Fox News has been the most-watched cable news channel for over 23 consecutive years, routinely outperforming not only CNN and MSNBC but also broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS in primetime ratings[6][8]. Its top programs—*Fox & Friends*, *The Five