In the book ‘The Daily Show and Philosophy’ contributor Rachael Sotos argues that ‘The Daily Show’ is the fifth estate in that it keeps the fourth estate in check. One of the major focuses on the show is lampooning news outlets regarding how they cover politics. Let’s face it, ever since news went on a 24/7 cycle which combined with post 9/11 news has been news lite. I doubt that Americans would have supported the initial war in Iraq if the various news agencies had not either been asleep at the wheel or too afraid to question the Bush administration for fear of appearing unpatriotic.
For ‘The Daily Show’ to be truly the fifth estate one would have to examine if news organizations have changed the way they conduct themselves due to exposure on the show. I think that there is an increased sensitivity among news shows, but the Fox Network is still as biased and unprofessionally as it has ever before.
From 2008
Tags: The Daily Show
