How Jon Stewart’s ‘Daily Show’ Exit Will Deal Big Blow to TV News

As Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show” run draws to a close on Aug 6, there is one of the host’s favorite foes that should be concerned: The TV News industry. Stewart has elevated the news business more than any other entertainment personality over the last two decades and now the industry’s biggest marketer is closing shop. “I think Jon Stewart leaving The Daily Show is a loss for anyone who laments the lack of journalistic integrity on most of the cable news networks,” said Scott Blakeman, a political comedian.

Blakeman, who’s appeared on Fox News and MSNBC over the years, points to the large impact Stewart has had on making cable news not just a news vehicle, but platforms with larger than life personalities who need to be kept in check. “In recent years the show insightfully and hilariously skewered the dumbing down of cable news, as well as the wildly inaccurate ranting of Fox News. While Fox was a prime target of the show’s satire, Stewart took aim at CNN and MSNBC as well, in addition to local and national broadcast news.”