Smack of Reality #2: Political Comedy TV Shows Influence Young Voters

Young people have been increasingly getting their political news from two odd sources, being Comedy Central and HBO. These include three main shows - The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and Real Time with Bill Maher.

All three shows have changed the way many Americans view politics and media through their use of satirical political commentary. They are turning away from standard 24-hour news channels, such as FOX and CNN.

Trio of Tyranny

The Daily Show began in 1996 with Jon Stewart becoming host and material contributor in 1999. He uses impov and quick wit to create a show that is both funny and fast-paced while tackling serious issues affecting politics and the world. He uses sarcasm to convey what other news shows do with a serious tone. In so doing, I believe The Daily Show conveys more truth because they're not afraid to really ridicule what is wrong with the world today.

The Daily Show has won several prestigious awards. It has won almost a dozen Emmys and two Peabodys.

The Colbert Report, a spin-off of The Daily Show, is hosted by Stephen Colbert and began 2005. It has more mockery and sarcasm than The Daily Show but both convey the same general views. It is quite humorous but, I believe that this show can confuse some viewers as to what is real and what is not with the opinions of Colbert. It's more of a spoof of The O'Reilly Factor.

The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are two of the most popular shows on cable television. As of 1996, The Daily Show draws 1.5 million viewers and The Colbert Report draws 1.2 million viewers night. Most viewers are between 18 and 24.

Real Time with Bill Maher is a sixty-minute show that airs once a week on HBO. I've never seen it but heard it follows the same format as his previous show, Politically Incorrect, except that his guests now are less celebrity and more politically smart, making for better informed and intelligent debate.

Bill Maher uses bold honesty, controversial ideas, and some humor to convey his political ideas as well as those of his guests.

Smack of Reality

Credit: John Gugie

Copyright: John Gugie