US Lawmakers Question Apple CEO Whether Cancellation of Jon Stewart’s Show Was Related to China Commentary

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Oct. 23, 2023. Julia Nikhinson/AFP via Getty Images

House of Representative members leading a special committee questioned Apple CEO Tim Cook on Wednesday concerning the tech company’s choice to cancel Jon Stewart’s Apple TV+ talk show because the host was planning a segment on China.

The letter addressed whether or not the streaming giant was reticent about having China as the subject material of one of the series’ episodes, as originally reported by Variety. In essence, it emphasized the importance of an open exchange of ideas. It was signed by the leaders of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Community Party (CCP), including Chair Rep. Michael Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), the panel’s ranking Democrat.

Allegedly, Mr. Stewart had previously mentioned to staff members that possible upcoming topics for his show, including China and artificial intelligence, were raising concerns among Apple executives. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Apple approached Mr. Stewart and informed the host that both sides needed to be “aligned” regarding show topics.

CCP’s Influence on American Artists

“If these reports are accurate, it potentially speaks to broader concerns about indirect Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over the creative expression of American artists and companies on CCP-related topics,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter released Wednesday.

“It also highlights an additional reason, beyond the traditionally cited national security rationales, why we encourage Apple to accelerate its efforts to reduce its dependence on the PRC in its core business,” it said, referring to China’s official name, People’s Republic of China.

The letter also stated: “The strategic competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party is not just about military, economic, or even technological power; it’s also about values. And few values distinguish our system from the CCP more sharply than the responsible and open exchange of ideas through creative expression, without the improper interference of foreign powers.”

Companies Shouldn’t Be Influenced by Foreign Powers

The letter concluded, “While companies have the right to determine what content is appropriate for their streaming service, the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations.”

“The Problem With Jon Stewart” debuted in 2021 on Apple TV+ as part of a multiyear first-look deal Mr. Stewart signed with Apple. The one-hour series addressed a topic in each episode, with each topic related to current national events or Mr. Stewart’s advocacy work. Topics included climate change, globalization, gun control, incarceration, racism, and the media.

While the series’ first season aired episodes every two weeks, the show’s second season took on a weekly format. The Apple TV+ series was Mr. Stewart’s first TV project to air since he left Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” in 2015. He had a previous deal with HBO to create a topical short-form animated series, among other projects, though that ultimately didn’t happen.