The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart:” News or Entertainment?

Show Summary:

On January 15, 2014, “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart aired with two top stories.  One pertains to the US and other world powers’ agreement on a date to begin implementing an interim deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program - set to occur on January 20, 2014.  Jon Stewart appears thrilled with the decision, then proceeds to make a joke that the deal could affect Season 4 of Homeland.  He goes on to mention, “That show could end up completely untethered from reality.” The audience laughs.

The second story covers a search of Justin Bieber’s property for evidence involving the egging of his neighbor’s home.  Stewart mocks the news for covering the Bieber news.  He jokes that a “white guy breaks some shit, cops come, and take the black guy away.” Stewart follows up by singing “America.”

Stewart effectively relates the two stories, one involving news that seriously affects our nation and the other petty entertainment news that only affects Bieber by saying, “Congress is the Justin Bieber of our government….Throwing away a tremendous opportunity because of immaturity and a lack of self-control.” This comment also brings a laugh from the audience.

The show concludes with an interview with Former Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, who wrote a memoir titled, “Duty,” describing his frustration with Washington, specifically Congress and The White House. Although there are a few digs and jokes about the way Washington is currently being ran, the interview is reasonably serious.

Critique the format of entertaining or comedic news:

Comedic news is popular and somewhat effective to certain viewers.  More conservative viewers are, by nature, more likely to stick with the traditional style of news exposure.  More liberal viewers may be more open-minded to mixed paradigms.  Further, those individuals looking simply for comedic relief may be incline to watch this hybrid format, as well.  This format is in a niche environment of viewership, where a specific market is targeted.  Needless to say, the show stills airs with somewhat positive ratings and is, thus, successful to some extent.

Do you believe it is beneficial to society because it is more likely to have people know what is going on in the world?

I do believe that comedic news is beneficial to society for a couple reasons. First being, it’s down right entertaining.  As an avid viewer of comedic news, such as “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report,” I enjoy hearing a funny and uplifting spin on the normally dry news that airs on Fox or local news stations. Stewart merely made a delightful combination of classic news and satirical talk shows. Yes, Stewart does make a living mocking important groups and members of society (e.g., George W. Bush, U.S. foreign affairs, and Congress) and tends to make light of serious matters, but Stewart is still educating Americans, such as myself. For example, I was unaware that the United States made a historical treaty with Iran, until I watched this episode of “The Daily Show.” As a fan of talk shows and comedy, I see no tangible dilemma arising just from utilizing “The Daily Show” as one of my new sources. I believe that it only becomes a problem if one only uses “The Daily Show” as a news source. However, that is the case with any source. Stewart has, indeed, claimed that his show is not journalism, and should not be treated as a factual source regarding all topics. The show is biased and has an agenda, just like any other news program. Therefore, I believe the program is beneficial to society because it encourages seeking knowledge about U.S. and foreign affairs, and does a good job in doing so. The show is only not beneficial if the viewer fails to form his or her own opinion regarding the news that Stewart delivers.

Or, do you believe that it degrades news and makes serious topics appear less serious, which undermines any usefulness it may have as format?

“The Daily Show” may make fun of news stories, but it doesn’t change it. If anything, I believe “The Daily Show” is beneficial to young Americans because it encourages them to at least get informed somewhere. For example, I despise when my father comes home and puts on the local news. Not that the news is boring, but how it is presented is. I think it’s done in a mediocre fashion, the newscasters are outdated, and the stories lull me to sleep. Whereas a comedy news show simultaneously makes me laugh, informs me, and keeps my interest the entire duration of the program. I am still getting informed and am aware of serious world events, but in an entertaining way. And I think that if that’s what gets me interested in news, so be it.