American conservative media company Newsmax, known for its close relationship with the GOP and President Donald Trump’s circle, is setting up shop in Poland. Founder and CEO Christopher Ruddy is known to be a close friend of Trump, and many from his camp have appeared on the station.
Newsmax went public last March, and that summer, Trump Media announced a new global streaming platform, featuring Newsmax.
As of now, Newsmax Polska has already launched as an online service, with a television channel launch coming in June, according to Do Rzeczy.
Poland is meant to be a sort of testing ground before Newsmax rolls out in larger markets, such as Germany, France, and Italy. However, the interest from American conservative circles in Central and Eastern Europe is undeniable.
“This region holds strategic significance for Washington—politically, militarily, energetically, and culturally. As the largest country on NATO’s eastern flank and one of the U.S.’s most important allies in the region, Poland is naturally becoming a place where American media outlets want to have a more direct presence,” writes Do Rzeczy.
Newsmax is said to have plans to expand elsewhere in the region as well, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Albania, and Greece.
“The station aims to bring an American perspective to the European debate—without the mediation of Western European editorial offices and interpretive filters,” writes Do Rzezcy. “For Polish viewers, this could mean something new: direct access to the American conservative debate, to politicians and commentators close to the Republican center of power, and to a way of telling the world characteristic of the American right.”
