Watch out, CNN and MSNBC. Satire is aiming to take over the news.
With shows like SNL’s “Weekend Update,” “The Daily Show” and "The Colbert Report,” the entertainment business’s funny people are bringing the masses a healthy mix of news headlines and sarcastic, dry humor.
Of course, this style of humor isn’t new to the entertainment world. But more and more young (and old) folks are tuning into Comedy Central for their daily dose of current news. In fact, I’ve met quite a few people who readily admit that “The Daily Show” is their main source of news information.
It could be easy to dismiss satirical news as being “illegitimate news.” However, this form of sarcastic reporting definitely has its benefits. It’s funny and up-to-date. It forces its viewers to have some knowledge of the world around them. And, through clever humor, shows like “The Colbert Report” are opening people’s eyes to some of the more ridiculous trends in the world today.
Indeed, these shows don’t dumb down their jokes. They assume that one will be well-informed and knowledgeable about world events before turning on these late-night programs. And, for the most part, the audience members are following through.
Strange as it may be, satirical news may have rejuvenated news media for the YouTube generation. It’s comforting to think that kids are now watching Fox News and MSNBC, if only so that they will understand that night’s punch line on “The Daily Show.”
Since these shows’ influence has grown over the past couple of years, they’re starting to bring in big names for interviews. The political and entertainment worlds are giving more respect to these sarcastic shows, in turn bringing in more viewers.
It’s good that these shows are getting the respect they deserve. On a nightly basis, these programs present the biggest day-to-day headlines while providing a few good laughs. Now, if you ask me, that’s entertainment.
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