Jon Stewart farewells The Daily Show

Comedian Jon Stewart, 53, who has hosted "The Daily Show" on the cable network Comedy Central for 16 years, said good bye to the satirical news show last week. At the news of his sign-off from the show, people from all walks of life sent compliments such as “No one has made news so funny, or made comedy such big news.” It has caused a financial ripple effect, such as plunging stock prices of the Viacom Media Networks, which owns the "Comedy Central."

"The Daily Show" was not a mere comedy show hosted by a comedian. Based on the witty analysis on political issues and unparalleled sense of humor, Stewart has delivered daily issues in an elegant satire show, which changed the traditional way for audiences to watch news. In average, the viewers of ‘The Daily show’ viewers amount to 1.5 million. Out of that, 80 percent of the viewers are aged between 18 and 49, who are economically active population. The show’s strong influence came from this viewership. Thanks to Stewart who made sarcastic comments on the politics and the media from perspectives of the public, the show became a primary choice of news program for young generations. Some of the reporters of The Daily Show have become star comedians. Stephen Colbert, the host of the David Letterman Show, is a good example.

Stewart’s strength is to twist and poke fun of news and interviews. U.S. President Barack Obama appeared seven times, including four times while he was a presidential candidate. Foreign politicians such as former Pakistani President Musharraf and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also appeared in the show. At an interview with then presidential candidate Obama, Stewart pointed out Obama’s lack of experiences, by saying that Obama should run for presidential election after serving as the president of a small nation. He usually criticizes politicians who change words. Americans liken Stewart to a legendary anchorman by calling him "Walter Cronkite who makes people laugh."

Stewart has become an icon of news program with elegant satire, rather than rough words. He was named as the most trusted anchorman in America in a survey conducted by The Time in 2009, beating out outstanding anchors on other TV networks including CNN and Fox News. It can be attributed to his balance between wit and sincerity. It is wondering why Korea cannot have such an anchorman who can poke fun of political news.