Apple News has become "even more politically lopsided" and "more left-leaning" under the leadership of CEO John Ternus, according to a new study released by MRC. The Media Research Center (MRC) analyzed coverage on the platform and concluded that the perceived political slant has intensified since Ternus assumed the role of CEO.

The study's findings point to a trend of increased coverage and prominence given to stories and sources that align with a left-leaning political perspective. This shift, according to the MRC, is noticeable in the selection of headlines, featured articles, and the overall framing of news content presented to users on the Apple News platform.

Researchers at MRC compiled data over a specific period, comparing coverage under Ternus's tenure to previous periods. While specific metrics were not detailed in the initial release, the organization stated that its analysis indicated a "significant increase" in content perceived as favoring liberal viewpoints. The study's authors suggest that this direction is a deliberate choice by the platform's leadership.

The implications of such a perceived bias are significant for a platform that serves as a primary news source for millions of users. Critics argue that a lopsided news feed can shape public opinion and understanding of current events, potentially limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints and reinforcing existing political beliefs.

This assessment by MRC adds to ongoing discussions about the role of technology platforms in news dissemination and the potential for algorithmic or editorial biases to influence user perception. The study's authors are calling for greater transparency in how news content is curated and presented on Apple News.

Apple has previously faced scrutiny regarding its news aggregation practices. While the company maintains a commitment to providing a diverse range of news sources, critics often question the editorial decisions and algorithms that determine what content is highlighted.

The MRC's report aims to provide data-driven insights into the evolving political leanings of prominent news platforms. The organization has historically published research analyzing media bias across various outlets.

Further details regarding the methodology and specific findings of the MRC study are expected to be released, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the claimed shift in Apple News's political orientation under CEO John Ternus.