Review of article, "What the Mainstream News Can Learn From Jon Stewart"

Rachel Smolkin wrote a feature length article in the June/July 2007 issue of American Journalism Review titled, “What the Mainstream Media Can Learn from Jon Stewart.” The article is an in depth piece evaluating the difference between traditional news and the satire news style of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” As mentioned in the article, many young people turn to the “Daily Show” for information before mainstream news programs. The popularity of the “Daily Show” coupled with the ongoing problems in traditional news programming makes the article interesting and publishable. The subject needed to be thoroughly investigated for the article to be successful; therefore a longer feature was the best way to cover the story.
The author interviewed many subjects to help with the validity of the article. Interviewees included professors, television directors, the director of FactChecks.org, authors and journalists. She used many opposing viewpoints and used several direct quotes to make the article more credible. The first and only scholarly study comparing “The Daily Show” and traditional news was referenced. Smolkin looked at both the positive and negative qualities of “The Daily Show.” While she presented many positive attributes she clearly stated that although far more entertaining, the “Daily Show” should not be viewed as a replacement for traditional news. The story was clearly professionally done but was written for the lay person. The author did a fantastic job of remembering her audience while still writing at a high skill level.
The author positioned herself as an expert on the subject by thoroughly investigating the topic. The problems with mainstream journalism were compared to the benefits and popularity of the “Daily Show.” Acknowledging the validity of “The Daily Show” could help reviews like the American Journalism Review identify with a younger audience. The article was partially a critique of scholarly arguments against the value of satire news. This was especially effective when Smolkin countered the arguments by pointing out the multitude of problems in traditional journalism. Most of all, the article covers a timely topic that is on the mind of many Americans. Many have become distrustful of journalists and use “The Daily Show” as their primary news source. The story highlights the pros and cons of doing so.
The article was well thought out and balanced. The only potential improvements that could have been made would have been interviews with Jon Stewart, his staff and national mainstream news correspondents. It definitely would be interesting to hear from Mr. Stewart himself on the topic. Otherwise the article is extremely well done, informative and entertaining. From a media literacy standpoint, the article opens the reader’s eyes to alternative venues for commentary on the news by encouraging shows like “The Daily Show.”