Analysis of Apple News Coverage on Republican Issues
The Media Research Center (MRC), a conservative media watchdog, has released findings from a study analyzing the coverage of Republican issues by Apple News. The study focused on how Apple News, which comes preinstalled on iPhones across America, presented stories related to the Republican party’s top policy priorities leading up to the midterm elections.
Study Findings
From September 15 to September 30, the MRC scrutinized Apple News’ top 20 stories daily. The analysis revealed that Apple News promoted 84 stories with negative headlines regarding Republican policy issues during the studied period. Notably, not a single story presented these issues in a positive light.
According to MRC President David Bozell, the platform appears to portray a biased perspective against Republican priorities. He criticized Apple for being selective in the stories highlighted, comparing it to serving a skewed version of political information.
“Millions of voters open that app before they vote, and Apple’s editors are in there like a bartender who waters down only one party’s drinks,” Bozell stated.
Identified Republican-Aligned Issues
The studied period highlighted how Apple News reported on several Republican-aligned issues. These issues included:
- Immigration and border security
- The economy
- Law and order
- Reducing government spending
- Combating drug use
- National security and foreign policy
- Taxes
- Countering terrorism
- Education
- Protecting the unborn
The MRC’s study indicates that immigration, the economy, and law and order, among others, were portrayed negatively. Examples include framing immigration through court losses, and presenting the economy in the light of rising gas prices.
Apple News and Liberal Bias Accusations
Apple News has faced accusations of holding a liberal bias. Previously, Fox News Digital reported that several of Apple’s top executives and board members have contributed to Democrat campaigns.
Despite hopes from some quarters that Apple News might adopt a more neutral stance under the leadership of CEO John Ternus, a previous MRC study suggested an increase in content from left-leaning outlets.
Apple did not provide a comment in response to the study’s findings as per Fox News Digital’s request.