Erin Yarwood is a journalism senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
To me, the news outlets that seem entertaining, accurate and captivating at the same time are news outlets that utilize comedic journalism. From Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show to John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight, comedic journalism has gained mainstream influence and deserves more respect than what it receives.
The way we consume news is changing, and comedic journalism is leading the charge. Despite skepticism from those who want to stick to traditional forms of news, as its popularity rises, it’s clear these shows offer something different and valuable: fact-based satire that engages viewers in ways standard reporting often fails to.
Some of the most impactful moments in comedic journalism have resulted in real change. A John Oliver rant led to a conversation on policy change when a net neutrality segment resulted in a flood of comments to the FCC.
Hasan Minhaj’s reporting on the student loan crisis on “Patriot Act” brought national attention to the millions of Americans crippled by the weight of debt. These stories demonstrate that comedic journalism isn’t just for entertainment. It can educate and influence. When news is engaging, viewers care more.
In recent years, mainstream news outlets like Fox News and CNN have come under fire for spreading fake news and catering to political biases. It is clear to anyone with ears that certain news stations have become very skewed towards one set of ideas or the other. These echo chambers are responsible for polarized news that makes neutral news feel scarce. Comedic journalism offers an alternative that encourages critical thinking.
To make matters worse, restraints on journalists and press access, like those seen under President Donald Trump, have made it even more difficult to obtain balanced coverage. It is becoming harder and harder to consume truly neutral news. Finding objective information now requires looking at multiple sources and putting in solid time to do research.
In response to this shift and the rise of social media, many young adults have turned to comedic journalism for quick, digestible news. A poll released in 2024 by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press found that 21 percent of people aged 18 to 29 cited The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live as a place where they regularly learned presidential campaign news.”
Now, I’m not saying these forms of journalism are entirely accurate. John Oliver, himself has contested this idea. Often the hosts of these media give their take and offer prescriptive advice. If neutral news is the goal, these shows aren’t going to provide it.
Still, political satire and other forms of comedic journalism shouldn’t be written off just because of their format. This journalism strives to be engaging and digestible. It should be recognized for what it does well: holding politicians accountable through satire and making complex issues accessible to those who otherwise might not be aware of them.
Any effective joke has to be based on facts, otherwise there’s no point in making it. While political satire isn’t always an investigative look into current events, it’s just as important. Exaggerated truths and calling attention to the absurdity of events cause viewers to critically think about these topics. Normal cable news doesn’t do this as well.
In an era of media distrust, sometimes the comedians tell the truth better than the “serious” journalists. Comedic journalism isn’t just entertainment; it’s a valuable, impactful form of news. There’s room for both types of news, and satire deserves a place in media without being shrugged off as illegitimate.
