Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Chairman Mike Gallagher and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi wrote a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook inquiring if the cancellation of Jon Stewart's show was influenced by CCP coercion. This move comes amidst growing concerns over possible CCP interference in U.S content production.
"The CCP has a long track record of retaliating against companies that fail to walk the Party’s line, and we understand the importance of the PRC as a market and manufacturing hub for Apple, a company that has made significant contributions to American innovation and technological leadership. It is imperative that we not only highlight incidents such as this that may raise concerns over the impacts of the CCP’s coercive tactics on U.S. companies but also urgently work to diversify supply chains and reduce overall technological dependencies on the PRC that provide the CCP with such significant economic leverage.", said Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Questions have been raised following Apple TV+'s recent decision. Apple TV+'s choice not to proceed with the production of a third season for "The Problem with Jon Stewart" has raised questions. Lawmakers are now speculating whether this decision was influenced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) due to the show's discussion of topics like China and artificial intelligence. Reports suggest a disagreement between Jon Stewart and show producers over the treatment of these subjects may have played a role, according to a press release from the Select Committee on the CCP.
In response, two high-profile members of Congress are seeking further information from Apple. Krishnamoorthi and Gallagher are seeking answers in their letter to Apple, including a "briefing provided by representatives of Apple to Select Committee staff to better understand the recent news reports regarding Mr. Stewart’s show and related matters regarding Apple and the PRC" and "a commitment that content that could be perceived as critical of the CCP or the PRC is welcome on Apple TV+ and other Apple services, despite the coercive pressure of the CCP," according to a press release from the Select Committee.
They further express their support for unrestricted content creation. "We support the ability of artists, writers, studios, and streaming services alike to create content without fear of potential CCP retaliation and punishment," said the lawmakers in the letter, according to a press release from the Select Committee. "We similarly encourage American technology companies to diversify their supply chains, reduce their potential susceptibility to CCP pressure, and decrease their overall dependence on the PRC."
To understand these concerns better, let's take a closer look at what this show entails. "The Problem with Jon Stewart" is an Apple TV+ talk show series hosted by Stewart. Each one-hour episode delves into various issues, offering social commentary and covering current affairs. Episode topics span a wide range, including "Gun Control," "Covid-19 Restrictions," "Trump Indicted," "Climate Change," and more, according to Wikipedia.
