Letter to Tim Cook on Apple on Cancellation of Show Amid Reports of Differences on PRC-Related Content

Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook concerning the decision to not produce a third season of The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+. According to recent news reports, this decision came in the context of differences between Apple and Mr. Stewart regarding potential content for the show, including content about the People’s Republic of China. The New York Times reported, “Mr. Stewart told members of his staff... that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern among Apple executives.” 

In the letter, Chairman Gallagher and Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi ask for more information about the situation and write, “we support the ability of artists, writers, studios, and streaming services alike to create content without fear of potential CCP retaliation and punishment.” The letter notes that “We know from previous incidents involving production companies other than Apple that fear of the CCP, the CCP’s documented history of retaliating against companies, and the lure of the PRC market and PRC-based financing have significantly chilled the creation of American content that could be perceived as critical of the CCP. 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.” Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi and Chairman Gallagher also call for technology companies to “urgently work to diversify supply chains and reduce overall technological dependencies on the PRC that provide the CCP with . . . significant economic leverage.”

The lawmakers request the following from Apple:

• 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.
• 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. 

A copy of the full letter can be read HERE