1.1 Fun Comedy Stuff

1. Why are political candidates making appearances on late night television shows?  Which audiences are they most likely to reach that way?

Late night television shows offer comedic satire in order to appeal to millennials. As media presence and social interactions build relatability, candidates often use this outlet to to reach out to many different generations. The incorporation of comedy with serious matters allows viewers to enjoy their news. 

2. In what ways do viewers of political comedy shows benefit?

Viewers are kept up to date on current events and are able to learn about the various topics of debate among higher levels of our government. 

3. How can political comedy shows impact the way that voters evaluate candidates?
Political comedy enhances individual traits (i.e. Trump's combover), and in turn with these skits and humorous discussions, viewers are bound to take a side on the debates. Depending on how the candidates are portrayed, viewers develop a bias that either furthers their beliefs or refutes it. People tend to remember traits when they are repeatedly portrayed.  

4. What is the likely impact of late night TV coverage of the Trump campaign on voters?
Often, Trump is ridiculed for his physical appearance alongside his irrational plans for America. Late night television portrays him to be unreliable and a joke. The negative coverage sways the audience into not voting for him, but he still has a strong support system. 

5. How does late night political comedy cause viewers to seek out news from other sources?

One must have a precious knowledge of a topic to understand jokes and references present in these late night shows. The comedy may seem unreliable as bias is present, and in turn, the audience must still rely on traditional news sources to understand the full spectrum of issues discussed.

6. According to this 2015 report, what percentage of people claimed to get their news from "The Daily Show"?

12% of online Americans say that "The Daily Show" is their news source, 

7. In what ways are viewers of political comedy shows different from the general population?

Viewers of these political comedy shows are often younger and more liberal than in the past. 

8. What is the main reason viewers watch these shows?  What secondary benefits do they receive?

Almost 50% watch the show for entertainment, rather than actual news content; however, they learn about the issues and debates that are on the table. 

9. How are the viewing patterns of people who watch these shows different from other news sources?

Watching the news is easier than reading the news, as viewers of "The Daily Show" watch more consistently. News from CNN are less frequently visited as the written form is less comedic and visually available.