Is Jon Stewart the Most Trustworthy News Person?

July 25, 2009

When Time Magazine asked the question — "Now that Walter Cronkite has passed on, who is America's most trusted newscaster?" — the number one answer was ~~journalist~~ comedian Jon Stewart. Brian Williams came in second place, followed by Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric.

I can't say I'm that surprised. Using humor, The Daily Show manages to cut through all the BS and present a picture much closer to reality than the one we see on traditional news programs these days. And Jon does have the benefit of being free from a major news network with major rules and relationships to keep in order.

Source: WireImage

21 Comments

elizabethsosewn 3 years 42 weeks

i said yes, but after reading Genisisrocks' comment, I agree with her.

staple salad 3 years 42 weeks

I get my news through him and Colbert. It's so much easier to see through the bias when you know it's there. And since Jon just presents it like it is with a funny spin, and Colbert presents such an obvious (and funny) bias, it's not hard to see the real story.

staple salad 3 years 42 weeks

I get my news through him and Colbert.It's so much easier to see through the bias when you know it's there. And since Jon just presents it like it is with a funny spin, and Colbert presents such an obvious (and funny) bias, it's not hard to see the real story.

niicoley 3 years 42 weeks

Never.

niicoley 3 years 42 weeks

Never.

spicyaroma 3 years 42 weeks

Yes! I love him so much! I wouldn't say no ;)

spicyaroma 3 years 42 weeks

Yes! I love him so much!I wouldn't say no ;)

ggiinnaa 3 years 42 weeks

@appolgurl: LOOLMe too! :)

ggiinnaa 3 years 42 weeks

@appolgurl: LOOL Me too! :)

appolgurl 3 years 42 weeks

Yes. and even though it's not the question:: Marry.

appolgurl 3 years 42 weeks

Yes. and even though it's not the question:: Marry.

Phil 3 years 42 weeks

Definitely. It's funny because he's not really an anchor so much as he's a satirist. The irony of The Daily Show is that while the positions he features on his show are informal comedy sketches, and the interviews typically lighthearted (in most cases), it provides far more clarity and earnestness than the other television news networks: CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC and (definitely) FoxNews. It's clear The Daily Show is not controlled by ratings points and advertising revenue, though a factor it may be. I can only imagine what The Daily Show would be like if it were featured on PBS or HBO, who are not as concerned about ratings and is not at all concerned over ad revenue. Maybe a hilarious Charlie Rose or Tavis Smiley. Of all the television news shows, The Daily Show was the only one (excluding public television) that didn't spend a ridiculous amount of time on the entertainment news "orgy" (as Charlie Gibson put it on CNN commenting on how Walter Cronkite would have reacted to the state of the the news media...) that was the Michael Jackson gravity well (...a dark irony is that Walter Cronkite lamented the encroachment of entertainment news, but in his last weeks the news was totally dominated by Michael Jackson coverage--though thankfully pausing [the news is still effing talking about Jackson] for the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11). It's clear that he leans liberally, and perhaps many of the bits on The Daily Show are oversimplifications, but they still have the uncanny ability to reveal the absurdity in the issues that are ruling our attention and affecting our lives. And that such a show even exists and had been successful for years is maybe a testament to its importance. World leaders, legislators and cabinet members, entrepreneurs, thinkers, people in exalted positions appear on the show regularly, devoting time in their busy schedules for a thirty minute program on a crass comedy network that satirizes the news--that itself speaks to the poignancy of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show.

Phil 3 years 42 weeks

Definitely. It's funny because he's not really an anchor so much as he's a satirist. The irony of The Daily Show is that while the positions he features on his show are informal comedy sketches, and the interviews typically lighthearted (in most cases), it provides far more clarity and earnestness than the other television news networks: CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC and (definitely) FoxNews. It's clear The Daily Show is not controlled by ratings points and advertising revenue, though a factor it may be. I can only imagine what The Daily Show would be like if it were featured on PBS or HBO, who are not as concerned about ratings and is not at all concerned over ad revenue. Maybe a hilarious Charlie Rose or Tavis Smiley.Of all the television news shows, The Daily Show was the only one (excluding public television) that didn't spend a ridiculous amount of time on the entertainment news "orgy" (as Charlie Gibson put it on CNN commenting on how Walter Cronkite would have reacted to the state of the the news media...) that was the Michael Jackson gravity well (...a dark irony is that Walter Cronkite lamented the encroachment of entertainment news, but in his last weeks the news was totally dominated by Michael Jackson coverage--though thankfully pausing [the news is still effing talking about Jackson] for the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11).It's clear that he leans liberally, and perhaps many of the bits on The Daily Show are oversimplifications, but they still have the uncanny ability to reveal the absurdity in the issues that are ruling our attention and affecting our lives. And that such a show even exists and had been successful for years is maybe a testament to its importance. World leaders, legislators and cabinet members, entrepreneurs, thinkers, people in exalted positions appear on the show regularly, devoting time in their busy schedules for a thirty minute program on a crass comedy network that satirizes the news--that itself speaks to the poignancy of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show.

b1uebunn 3 years 42 weeks

What, GlowingMoon? I'm sorry, was it too hard for Palin to answer what news sources she reads? Or know ANY goddamn court case? WTF? She was running for VP. Did she just want to be asked about hockey and pit bulls? If Katie Couric's softballs were too hard for Palin, she needs some serious help. Good thing she quit her job.

GlowingMoon 3 years 42 weeks

Truthfully, I'm unsure about him being trustworthy (I'm on the fence about him. My take is neutral about him). However, he is very, very funny. A talented comedian.Also, I have reservations about Katie Couric. After how she treated Palin, I doubt her trustworthiness. To me, Couric lost some journalistic credibility. In my opinion, Couric was overly biased against Palin. Of course, Couric woud have her own personal opinions, but as a journalistic, she should have checked her opinions at the door when she was working. JMHO.

GlowingMoon 3 years 42 weeks

Truthfully, I'm unsure about him being trustworthy (I'm on the fence about him. My take is neutral about him). However, he is very, very funny. A talented comedian. Also, I have reservations about Katie Couric. After how she treated Palin, I doubt her trustworthiness. To me, Couric lost some journalistic credibility. In my opinion, Couric was overly biased against Palin. Of course, Couric woud have her own personal opinions, but as a journalistic, she should have checked her opinions at the door when she was working. JMHO.

simplyfab87 3 years 42 weeks

No, but his show is still awesome. Love him and the show.

ObladiOblada 3 years 42 weeks

Love him, love the NEWS. love the guests, love the jokes, - yeah, Jon all day long!!

genesisrocks 3 years 42 weeks

I said "no" because you have to have some knowledge of what's going on in the world already to get some of his jokes. He just gives more insight/perspective to people who are already informed.

kafarine-tin-tin 3 years 42 weeks

He gives me my news.

kafarine-tin-tin 3 years 42 weeks

He gives me my news.

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21 Comments

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