Data Workshop Discussion: Satirical News Shows

Choose a recent episode of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Last WeekTonight with John Oliver, or Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

As you watch the episode, consider the following points (you may want to take informal noteswhile view​ing and add more of your own comments and observa​tions afterward):

• In what ways does the show resemble a traditional network news program? Examinethe format of the show, the cast and correspondents, the regular program segments(news reporting, interviews), the structure of the stage set, the design of the graphics,and other aspects of the production.
• Make a list of the topics that are covered on the show. Compare the stories presentedon the satirical news show with stories presented in the real news dur​ing the same timeperiod. How much of the news is completely made up, and how much is actually aboutreal world events?
• A comedic news show, even when it covers real issues, is not held to the samejournalistic standards as traditional news outlets. How does an audience member knowwhat to believe about the truth of any particular statement or story?
• Despite being satirical, these shows also provide serious commentary about importantissues in American life. What are some of the underlying messages of the humorousmaterial on the show?
• Are you among the audience members who get politi​cal news from comedy shows? Towhat extent do you believe these shows might influence people’s politi​cal ideas? Do youthink that they increase young people’s awareness of issues, or are they a confound​ingdistraction?
• If we consider what postmodernists say about the increasing power of the image orsimulacrum in our everyday lives, how can we tell the difference between what is realand what is not real?