Real news is obligated to cover the most tragic things happening in the world, but then we have “The Daily Show” a comedic take on the day’s news.

Viewers tune in to “The Daily Show” for the laughs, but inadvertently make themselves better-informed citizens because they’re being exposed to useful information.

Although some may not be ready to accept the power and influence “The Daily Show” has on the public, it should be embraced for being able to engage and educate viewers.

Sure, even the show’s creators have made it clear that this is not a news program. It’s a comedy show.

But the “The Daily Show” mixes qualities from programs on real news networks with late night talk show comedy segments.

The host, Jon Stewart, is a former stand-up comedian. Stewart covers popular news events using political satire to make them entertaining.

Stewart also has very important political figures on as guests to discuss the issues, and even though he’s a comedian he doesn’t hold back with his questions.

President Barack Obama has made several appearances on “The Daily Show,” which demonstrates the shows political significance.

In Obama’s most recent visit to the show, Jon Stewart didn’t shy away from asking the president Libya, his horrible first debate performance and the economic crisis.

When audiences watch prominent figures like the president during campaign season get interviewed on important topics they are learning about real problems.

“The Daily Show” is in no way hard breaking news, but a satirical perspective on major events in the world is a way for people to get their feet wet with politics.

The president makes appearances on “The Daily Show” because he knows audiences are turning to it for political entertainment.

Nielsen ratings have also reported that “The Daily Show” trumps the major nation news networks’ programs, and averages 2.3 million viewers.

Viewers of “The Daily Show” shouldn’t solely watch this program to be informed. But understanding some of the show’s topic requires the audience to gain a little background knowledge on what’s going on in the world.

“The Daily Show” is enjoyable without any background knowledge, but having some idea about what’s going on in the world definitely gives you a leg up in understanding every point the show makes.

Although there is concern that viewers of “The Daily Show” will develop misconceptions regarding current events, it can be argued that viewers of Fox News are also being misconceived.

A report from Pew Research Center even indicates those who watch “The Daily Show” actually are more informed on domestic and foreign issues than regular Fox News viewers.

So there is evidence that exposure to “The Daily Show” has a positive impact on issue awareness, and this could be because they are deciding on their own to learn about the issues,

Sure, “The Daily Show” shouldn’t be the ultimate source for political information because it isn’t a news show. It’s a comedy show.

But becoming a dedicated viewer to this spoof on the real news has the possibility of sparking interest in actually becoming an informed citizen.

 

Samantha can be reached at: [email protected]