A study released by the Media Research Center (MRC) alleges that Apple News and Google News systematically suppressed dozens of negative news articles concerning former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner for several months during his campaign.
The study claims that between November and May, neither Apple News nor Google News published any stories detailing controversies surrounding Platner, including a Nazi tattoo and offensive Reddit posts. The MRC reported that the platforms also failed to promote at least 112 articles from conservative-leaning outlets that investigated Platner's past.
MRC President David Bozell characterized the platforms' actions as running a "protection racket" for Platner, suggesting that unflattering coverage was hidden until he became a liability. The blackout allegedly began after an October poll indicated Platner had a strong chance against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins and ended around May 30, coinciding with a New York Times report on allegations of Platner sexting women outside his marriage.
"For months, while Platner looked like the one Democrat who could beat Susan Collins, the two most powerful news apps in America buried scandal after scandal," Bozell stated. "Then the polls turned, Platner became a liability, and suddenly the blackout ended. News judgment had nothing to do with it."
Platner eventually dropped out of the race after two ex-girlfriends came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Jennifer Racicot claimed Platner entered her home without permission and sexually assaulted her in 2021. Lyndsey Fifield accused Platner of "stealthing," a practice where condoms are removed during intercourse without consent, and also alleged physical abuse.
Platner has denied the allegations. In a July 8 statement on X, Platner announced the suspension of his campaign, attributing his departure to "large forces," "corporate media," and the "political establishment."