I have no idea when it happened. But after watching Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show” for the past week, I have to admit it. Comedy news has become more useful to the viewing public than the real news.
We all know it’s far more entertaining, but now it’s generally more information as well. I sat there last night with my journalist soul twitching uncontrollably as Jon Stewart interviewed Marc Siegel, the co-author of Benazir Bhutto’s new book “Reconciliation.” Stewart spent approximately five minutes with not a wisecrack in sight. He discussed the impact that Bhutto’s death could have on the Pakistani electorate. He discussed what Bhutto thought of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. He even brought out several great anecdotes that displayed Bhutto’s sense of humor. I’m not saying Jon Stewart is the only person who will have this guest. But as a full-time employee at a major news organization, I was stunned that this was the first time I was hearing from him.
While I used to watch “The Daily Show” to unwind from my “serious journalism” day at the office, I now watch “The Daily Show” to make sure I’m not missing anything. Stewart and company do a great job of not only making the news they cover funny, but also of quite simply covering the news.
