Apple Inc. AAPL is alleged to have prevented Jon Stewart, former “Daily Show” host, from hosting a podcast episode with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairwoman Lina Khan. This comes amid ongoing antitrust investigations into Apple’s business practices and market monopoly.
What Led to the Dispute: Stewart revealed that Apple had blocked him from interviewing FTC Chair Khan on his podcast, “The Problem With Jon Stewart”. The podcast is an offshoot of his AppleTV show that shares the same name.
During a segment on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” Stewart disclosed, “Apple asked us not to do it. They literally said, ‘please don’t talk to her.'”
This altercation comes in the wake of a recent lawsuit filed by the Justice Department against Apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolizing the smartphone market in violation of antitrust laws. The lawsuit also underscores Apple’s increasing influence in the TV and movie production industry, giving it leverage over content.
In defense, Apple emphasized that the lawsuit “threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets.” Apple maintains that a successful lawsuit could hamper its ability to deliver the technology customers expect.
Significance of the Standoff: This incident highlights the escalating conflict between tech behemoths and regulatory bodies. Notably, Stewart has been outspoken in critiquing notable figures in the tech sector. FTC Chairwoman Khan is known for her firm stance on antitrust issues. Under her guidance, the FTC has launched investigations into various tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia.
In a previous episode of “The Daily Show,” Stewart humorously targeted individuals such as Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella for their grandiose claims regarding AI capabilities. This recent event adds another layer to the ongoing saga of big tech grappling with antitrust challenges.