NEWSMAX prepares Australian launch with Erin Molan reportedly on board

U.S. conservative news network Newsmax is preparing to enter the Australian market, following its first international expansion with the launch of Newsmax Balkans in October last year—a joint venture between Newsmax Media, Inc. and Telekom Serbia.

News of Newsmax’s planned Australian launch, set to replace streaming channel ADH-TV, was first tipped by the Australian Financial Review in late December.

Speculation is mounting today, with the Daily Mail reporting that Erin Molan, who was recently let go from her weekly show on Sky News Australia, has been signed to host her own show on the new platform.

ADH-TV, co-created by Brett Lyddon and run by former Seven news executive Jason Morrison, is a conservative streaming platform that gained attention after high-profile commentator Alan Jones—who is currently facing serious allegations—helped launch the service following his departure from Sky News.

Newsmax, a conservative outlet known for its outspoken views on U.S. politics and strong support of Donald Trump, already has an Australian journalist on its team, with Sarah Williamson contributing to the network’s coverage from the United States.

The news service launched its local website yesterday, with its social media pages transitioning from ADH-TV to NewsMax Australia. A formal launch date and any additional talent signings remain unclear at this stage.

Current contributors to ADH-TV include Chris Smith, who was dismissed from Sky News following inappropriate behaviour allegations, as well as Daisy Cousens and others known for their conservative viewpoints and political commentary.

Newsmax promotes itself with the tagline “Authentic. Honest. Uncensored.” as it aims to become “the country’s newest trusted source for news and opinion,” offering an alternative to mainstream media.

Note: A previous version of this story suggested that journalist and presenter Sarah Williamson was outspoken on U.S. politics and had strong opinions on Trump; this has been clarified to reflect the views of the network instead.