Full Breakdown
Manhattan Borough President Calls for Removal of Newsmax from NYC Taxi Screens
1/31/2026, 5:44:57 AM
Urging Action Against Newsmax
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has formally requested Mayor Zohran Mamdani to remove the right-wing media outlet Newsmax from the Taxi TV monitors installed in thousands of yellow cabs across New York City. In a letter dated January 21, Hoylman-Sigal criticized Newsmax as “not a credible news source for New Yorkers,” citing concerns over misinformation, particularly regarding immigration commentary from the network's hosts. He urged Mamdani and Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Midori Valdivia to leverage their political influence to terminate the partnership between the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and Curb, the technology provider responsible for the Taxi TV content.
Background of the Partnership
Newsmax has been streaming national news programming in New York City taxis through a collaboration with Curb, which operates approximately 15,000 screens across 65 U.S. markets, including 9,000 in New York City. According to a spokesperson for Curb, the content aired consists solely of standard news segments that comply with established content standards, and no opinion or editorial content has been featured on Taxi TV. The spokesperson also noted that Curb regularly broadcasts public service announcements from the Mamdani administration and other public agencies, emphasizing its role as a neutral platform for civic information.
Criticism of the Request
Hoylman-Sigal's call for action has drawn criticism from various quarters. Opponents, including Stefano Forte, president of the New York Republican Club, have labeled the request as an instance of "cancel culture," arguing that it represents an attempt to control media narratives in a free market. Forte stated, “I don’t think anyone is getting indoctrinated by right-wing politics in the back of the cab,” suggesting that the borough president's demand is an overreach.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the controversy, Curb reiterated its commitment to providing neutral content, stating that all programming has been vetted to ensure compliance with content standards. The company emphasized its role in delivering important civic and safety-related information through its screens. As of now, neither Newsmax nor the offices of Mayor Mamdani and the TLC have issued comments regarding the ongoing situation.
What's Next
The outcome of Hoylman-Sigal's request remains uncertain, as the mayor's office has not yet responded publicly. The situation highlights ongoing debates about media credibility and the role of government in regulating content in public spaces. As discussions continue, the implications for media partnerships in public transportation may evolve, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding information dissemination and censorship.
