I am curious to why the author chose Last Week Tonight specifically, rather than just focus on the genre of comedy/news or addressing the root issue (critical thinking).
Most of the article covers the format of late night shows, which is well known to most, I think. It is only in the last paragraph that we reach the “dangerous” part.
The crux of the argument is:
> Therein lies the main ‘danger’ in all of this: when viewers aren’t thinking critically and/or are using the show as a news source
Which, is true of literally every show, newspaper, media outlet, etc. Critical thinking has been a key issue in communication from the dawn of time, and will be an issue forever forward. I don't think it's fair to lay blame at the feet of a single show.
Author here. I agree with your point. The show is not only news but a political cartoon and most of my arguments could share the same criticisms that come with those formats.
However, I do think the show differentiates itself with the extra mile it often goes to act against issues (even if the call to action is small). It engages the audience further and I think has led to some misplaced idolization in a time where talk is especially cheap. From there, viewers' critical thinking faculties might start to break down and their biases, strengthen.
Most of the article covers the format of late night shows, which is well known to most, I think. It is only in the last paragraph that we reach the “dangerous” part.
The crux of the argument is:
> Therein lies the main ‘danger’ in all of this: when viewers aren’t thinking critically and/or are using the show as a news source
Which, is true of literally every show, newspaper, media outlet, etc. Critical thinking has been a key issue in communication from the dawn of time, and will be an issue forever forward. I don't think it's fair to lay blame at the feet of a single show.