Jon Stewart’s show on Apple’s streaming service has been cancelled because he wanted to discuss China and artificial intelligence (AI).
Members of his staff who spoke to The New York Times said they were told about the decision last week. The parting came abruptly as they were about to begin taping Season Three within the next few weeks.
Stewart reached great success with his “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015, which he transformed from a barely-known late-night program into one of the most watched media shows in the nation. His Apple show, “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” began two years ago and was mostly watched by his close fans, who may be ending their Apple subscriptions over the decision.
Apple doesn’t want any more problems with Jon Stewart. His Apple TV+ talk show, ‘The Problem with Jon Stewart’, has been canceled after two seasons, reportedly due to creative differences over potential show topics like AI and China. https://t.co/TjqUWK96ni
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) October 20, 2023
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Stewart and Apple executives sparred over the question of whether Stewart could freely discuss the politics surrounding China and AI, according to sources familiar with the matter. A representative from Apple did not provide comment to The Times.
Apple, as is well known, produces millions of its products in China every year. However, tensions between the corporation and the country have been rising over recent weeks in light of the ongoing trade war.
(RELATED: Trade Relations Between America and China are Plummeting Quickly)
In September, Apple executives were in talks with Chinese officials over a recent law that would ban many apps in its App Store in China. The tech giant was concerned that the move would significantly cripple their sales, as many of their highest downloaded apps—like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X—will be affected by the restrictions.
Having Stewart criticize China on its platform, especially regarding topics related to AI and technology, would definitely pose a problem for Apple. Considering they would likely have to advertise the show as part of their contract, Chinese officials could use that as an example of the company trying to undermine its regime.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it was adding significant restrictions on the exporting of artificial intelligence chips and other advanced semiconductors to make it harder for American companies Nvidia and Intel to sell to China. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that the restrictions were not designed to cripple China economically but rather to prevent use of the chips by the country’s military.
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