Jon Stewart, while he was hosting “The Daily Show”, never forgot one thing– he was a comedian, not a journalist. His version of the Daily Show consisted of his presentation of amusing contradictions in the political life of the United States, and, occasionally, the world. Parody and satire. The most engaging part of his shtick was his ability to play the naif who hadn’t realized what this or that politician was up until he was exposed to the revealing side comment or earlier statement on video or credible facts or dick pictures.
Trevor Noah is not a journalist. He is not a reporter. He is not an editor. He has no credentials aside from his status as a stand-up comedian. But “The Daily Show” has evolved into something it was not: smart-ass political rants. He often sounds like a college sophomore out drinking with some friends. “Can you believe he said that? What a moron!” Then he gives us his editorials– a serious lecture about what Trump should be doing instead, and then coaxes his captive studio audience to roar their agreement.
It all tastes a little bitter after an election in which it became clear that Noah is deaf to what drives public opinion and the electoral college.
Stewart stayed a comedian– a famous moment was when he appeared on a talk show on Fox to discuss the state of politics in the U.S. and the host accused him of mocking serious political and social issues and Stewart responded– yes, but I am a comedian. You are journalists. You have a different responsibility.
Noah has positioned himself as a journalist but without the background, training, experience, or accountability we should demand from all journalists. The definition of what he does is a simple expression: blow-hard.
Worse than that– he is tiresome. It became depressing to tune into this show night after night to hear the same repetitious rant about Trump, every single night, after night, after night, after night. The ratings are down, not just because Jon Stewart is no longer there: but because Trevor Noah has become tedious and unfunny.
[whohit]Trevor Noah is not a Journalist[/whohit]