With this year’s election in full swing, media coverage has been called into question multiple times in regard to their ability to fairly report information, have equal candidate coverage, and the endorsements of specific candidates.
Donald Trump has been such a hot topic in media, for lack of a better term, that networks look to feature his candidacy whenever the opportunity presents itself because coverage of Trump shows an increase in viewership; which means an increase in profit.
Last year, Jon Stewart ended his 16 yearlong run on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with the desire to pursue new creative ventures. The Daily Show would often feature Stewart with political — even controversial — guests in news reporting segments that asked important questions while at the same time invoking humor into the situation. It enabled viewers to feel more relaxed about politics when humor was involved however more informed about situations as well.
With Stewart stepping down from The Daily Show before Trump was officially announced as a Republican runner, there has been a Jon Stewart shaped hole left in media coverage that no amount of John Oliver or Seth Meyers could fill.
At the time that Stewart removed himself from television it was announced that he struck a deal with HBO to collaborate on a 4-year long deal with the cable network. Richard Plepler, HBO Chief, told CNN’s Brian Stelter that he is hopeful Stewart will return to television before the November election takes place. However, Plepler expressed how Stewart wasn’t looking forward to revisiting his same role he played in the past simply to single out Donald Trump.
Even if Stewart were to return to the broadcast world however Vanity Fair says his return won’t likely sway the outcome of the election one way or another.
Last September, when asked if he would return to television if Trump won this year’s presidency, Stewart said that he’d be more likely to leave earth if Trump was elected president because it would prove how “bonkers” the world has become by having someone like Trump representing our country.
Although Stewart’s project with HBO isn’t the same as The Daily Show, Stewart is still seen as a voice of reason among fans. Even though his new project is focused on technologically innovated content, Plepher says Stewart has, “free rein to do whatever he wants.” This is great to hear as it means the possibility of a presidential election review by Stewart isn’t completely off the table just yet.
Would you like to see Jon Stewart return to television before this year’s election takes place?