January 20, 2021
AT&T/DirecTV Finally Listens to Advocacy Organizations and Cuts Ties to Extremist Network
A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
Almost a week ago last Friday, DirecTV finally acted on the calls from advocacy organizations like NHMC, to separate themselves from extremist and hateful programming broadcasted by One America News (OAN). NHMC previously urged AT&T as the majority owner of DirecTV, to cease its funding of hateful networks, and live up to its public stance of integrity, truth, and inclusion.
Our call to cease OAN’s funding followed the Reuters Special Report detailing how AT&T’s funding provided 90 percent of OAN’s income. This came as a shock to our organization, as AT&T has always claimed that “Hispanic and Latino Communities are a vital part” of the AT&T community.
OAN is a hate filled propaganda machine meant to sow divisions, spread disinformation, and exploit racial or cultural tensions. It has openly given disinformation surrounding both COVID-19 and the Presidential election, while targeting the Latino and immigrant communities through it’s hate-filled programming.
NHMC is relieved that AT&T and DirecTV have finally taken the necessary steps to stop hate in its tracks by cutting ties with OAN. The news that DirecTV will not be renewing the contract with OAN demonstrates how advocacy efforts of organizations, such as NHMC and our allies, have the power to stop hate and disinformation that poses a threat to our communities. NHMC will continue to combat extremist ideologies in all forms of media to ensure the well being of Latinos and other historically marginalized communities.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
