Lawmakers demand that Apple commit to not censoring content critical of China.

Last month, a person familiar with the matter told The New York Times that Stewart told his staff that the cancellation came after “potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern among Apple executives.” Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Stewart felt “hamstrung” by Apple’s requests to be “aligned” regarding topics on the show.

Lawmakers confirmed that they would also reach out to Stewart to hear his side of the story.

  • balderdash
    17•1 year ago

    This story barely has anything to do with Jon. Censoring him is just one example of a larger problem

    • @clearedtolandEnglish
      6•1 year ago

      True indeed. But Jon, as he has been for a number of other causes, may inadvertently be the catalyst that sparks action on this one.

      Realistically, it’s probably a moot point. With all the money China pours into US industries, lawmakers don’t really have any leverage. But at least they balked!

    • ares35
      3•1 year ago

      i didn’t even think the show would last this long before apple shut it down.

    • spaceghotiOPEnglish
      3•1 year ago

      Correct. It’s about the concerns lawmakers have with Apple shutting down Jon’s show because of his criticism against China and how that conflicts with their priorities. So authorities want some assurances that China is not having an undue influence over Apple’s policies.

    • @criticalthresholdEnglish
      1•1 year ago

      Pertaining to free speech: Is it a growing problem? Or is it a problem that always existed but now we’re seeing it all out in the open?

      I can’t imagine producers, editors, etc… from 50+ years ago were more open to having topics outside the Overton Window on their shows/print.

      If you’re talking about China’s influence over what gets discussed, then for sure that’s concerning and new.