Summary Of What The Mainstream Media Can Learn From Jon Stewart

Rachel Smolkin wrote an article in an issue of the American Journalism Review titled, “What the Mainstream Media Can Learn from Jon Stewart.” The article deeply evaluates the difference between traditional news and the satire style of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” In the article, it is shown that many young people turn to the “Daily Show” for information before an ordinary news program. Many people were interviewed to give their thoughts on the article. Some of the people interviewed were authors, professors, and director of a website, journalists and more. She used many opposing viewpoints and direct quotes to make the article more credible. Hub Brown is a chair of the communications department at Syracuse University’s S. I. New house School of Public Communications, an associate professor of broadcast journalism, and a “Daily Show” convert. “They really know how to crystalize an issue on all sides, see the silliness everywhere (Brown 407).”
She showed the pros and cons of “The Daily Show” and traditional news.
She stated that it is definitely more entertaining, but it should not be seen as a substitute for your ordinary news. The flaws of mainstream journalism were compared to the benefits of “The Daily Show.” It showed that “The Daily Show” appealed to younger audiences and it could be helpful to them. The article also explained how traditional journalism is not easy and it has its share of problems. A central, standout point of the essay shows that many people have lost faith in journalists and seek “The Daily Show” as their go to source for news. Venise Wagner, associate chair of the journalism department at San Francisco State University, says “The Daily Show” isn’t real journalism. “... she tells them it isn’t, explaining that journalism involves not just conveying information but also following a set of standards that includes verification, accuracy and balance (Smolkin
409).” Smolkin, and some others, feels like “The Daily Show” could be used as motivation. Eric Deggans, the TV and media critic for the St. Petersburg Times, thinks this way as well. He thinks there should be more experimenting and pluck in the media. He says the should challenge themselves and if someone has good ideas, use them. “The mainstream media can not, should not and never will be ‘The Daily Show’ (Smolkin 418).” Smolkin thinks, although both are good in their own way, the two should remain separate. “Perhaps ‘The Daily Show’ can teach us little, but remind us of a lot: Don’t underestimate your audience. Be relevant. And be bold (Smolkin 418).”