Publication Date
11-1-2013
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Arts in Communication
Department
Communication
Supervisory Committee Chair
Seth Ashley, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
Julie Lane, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee Member
John McClellan, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study examines the role of critique in news and its necessity in a media landscape focused on journalistic ideals of objectivity. Using The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as a case study, this research first, examines the way in which the program fulfills the normative tasks of the media and can be considered news. Second, it considers how the program, and others like it, operate outside the realm of traditional news media and are, consequently, not subject to expectations of objectivity, potentially allowing for greater critique of powerful political, economic and media entities. Finally, the role of news in U.S. democracy is examined, looking at the topics covered on The Daily Show and the potential for the show to inform citizens to be educated participants in their political system.
Recommended Citation
Simenc, Tabitha Louise, "Anchoring the News with Comedy: Considering the Role of Critique in News Through an Analysis of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"" (2013). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 771.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/td/771
Included in
Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons