Manhattan Official Urges NYC To Pull Newsmax From Taxi Screens

Network calls move 'censorship' as official cites 'politically charged content' and 'misinformation'

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A Manhattan elected official is pressing New York City to remove Newsmax programming from taxi screens, arguing that the network's content should not be shown to passengers across the city. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has formally asked Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Midori Valdivia to intervene, calling for the city to end its relationship with the company that carries Newsmax segments in cabs.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over media bias and the role of local governments in regulating content shown in public spaces. Newsmax has a large national audience but has also been accused of spreading misinformation, raising questions about whether its programming is appropriate for captive taxi audiences.

The details

Hoylman-Sigal wrote that Newsmax should not be aired in taxis because of what he characterized as 'politically charged content' and what he called a record of misinformation. Newsmax rejected the effort, calling it censorship targeting a media outlet with a large national audience. The broadcasts in question stem from an agreement Newsmax signed last year with Curb, a transportation technology company, to provide brief one-minute news updates hosted by network anchors. The segments are shown in more than 15,000 taxis nationwide.

  • Hoylman-Sigal sent the letter to city officials on January 21, 2026.
  • Newsmax signed the agreement with Curb to provide news updates in taxis last year.

The players

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The Manhattan Borough President who is pressing New York City to remove Newsmax programming from taxi screens.

Zohran Mamdani

The recently elected Mayor of New York City.

Midori Valdivia

The Taxi and Limousine Commissioner in New York City.

Newsmax

A conservative cable news channel that provides news updates shown in more than 15,000 taxis nationwide through an agreement with Curb, a transportation technology company.

Curb

A transportation technology company that has an agreement with Newsmax to provide brief one-minute news updates hosted by network anchors in more than 15,000 taxis nationwide.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani had not publicly responded to Hoylman-Sigal's request as of Friday, and City Hall declined to comment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over media bias and the role of local governments in regulating content shown in public spaces. While Newsmax has a large national audience, the network has also been accused of spreading misinformation, raising questions about whether its programming is appropriate for captive taxi audiences.