Pressuring for Change in NYC Taxi TV Content

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Segal is urging Mayor Zoran Mamdani to remove Newsmax from the taxi TV screens in New York City’s yellow cabs. This push comes in light of concerns over the network’s credibility, as reported by the New York Post.

In a letter dated January 21, addressed to Mamdani and Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Chairman Midori Valdivia, Hoylman-Segal labeled Newsmax as “not a reliable news source.” He pointed specifically to the network’s coverage on immigration, describing it as “political content” and calling for its discontinuation. Moreover, he suggested that the city should exert pressure on Curve, the TLC-approved provider that streams Newsmax content, potentially threatening to revoke or suspend its licensing agreement.

In a tweet, Hoylman-Segal emphasized that since Newsmax has no presence on New York City’s streets, he believes that TLC should halt its partnership with Curve until the network is no longer aired in the 15,000 taxis that run daily.

Hoylman-Segal articulated these views further in a video, asserting that New Yorkers shouldn’t have access to Newsmax through Taxi TV, while criticizing the network’s commentary on immigration. He continued to advocate for the termination of Newsmax’s association with the platform, suggesting the city might need to reconsider its licensing deal with Curve.

Currently, Newsmax collaborates with Curve, one of the certified technology providers for TLC, to broadcast national news programming inside cabs.

In defense of its partnership, TLC stated that Curb screens its content and adheres to established standards. A TLC spokesperson mentioned that the ads from Newsmax presently in circulation do not breach these regulations.

“We take the content seen by New Yorkers on Taxi TV seriously and conduct regular reviews,” the spokesperson added. “Our guidelines prohibit content that disparages individuals or communities, and, under those criteria, the current Newsmax ads are compliant. Also, let’s not forget that passengers can mute or turn off their screens if they prefer.” The TLC plans to continue monitoring the content closely to ensure it aligns with their standards.

Hoylman-Segal further pressed Mamdani to suspend the partnership with Newsmax that allows it to stream its programming in taxis via Curve, which is among TLC’s approved providers.

In his letter, he argued, “We urge you to immediately end Curve’s partnership with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. Given Newsmax’s history of misinformation, we request that Curve discontinue its collaboration with Newsmax as a condition of its license.”

Newsmax responded, characterizing Hoylman-Segal’s actions as “pure censorship.” They argued that the Manhattan Borough President’s stance represents an attempt to silence a news organization that transmits to over 50 million Americans.

“This is a clear act of censorship targeting a news source that tells it like it is, driving the far left into a frenzy,” Newsmax stated.

A representative from Curb reiterated that since the partnership began, content aired has been strictly news segments, vetted for compliance with their established standards.

Additionally, they highlighted their commitment to broadcasting public service announcements from Mamdani’s administration and other public institutions, reinforcing their role as a neutral vessel for essential information.

As of now, Mamdani’s office has not responded to requests for comments regarding this issue.