In the Trump era, we need satire more than ever. Just don’t expect it to save democracy | Alexander Hurst
The line between political commentary and journalism is increasingly blurred, with comedy programs often stepping in to fill gaps left by traditional news media. This shift isn’t new, but a growing trend highlighted by recent examples ranging from South Park’s satirical depictions of current events – including a storyline involving Donald Trump and Satan – to the investigative work pioneered by shows like The Daily Show.
The Rise of Satirical News
For decades, the failings of US corporate media to adequately cover political issues have created a space for comedic voices to provide analysis and critique. As far back as 2000, economist Paul Krugman criticized the press for prioritizing appearing “even-handed” over accurately reporting facts, even suggesting they might analyze a claim that the Earth is flat with balanced reporting.
This environment allowed programs like The Daily Show, with hosts like Jon Stewart, to conduct interviews rivaling those on primetime news, while Stephen Colbert parodied conservative commentators and John Oliver pioneered “investigative comedy.” Researchers at the universities of Innsbruck and Groningen argue that these programs build trust through “affective shifts” in public opinion, effectively functioning as a form of opinionated journalism.
Comedy’s Unique Position
Contemporary stand-up comedians recognize this power, noting they aren’t bound by the same rules as traditional media. Parisian journalist and comedian Charles Pellegrin observed that comedians can point out the “glaringly obvious,” while Safia Benyahia, a comedy producer, stated that stand-up’s popularity is growing because it provides a “safe way” to engage with divisive topics.
However, this blurring of lines presents challenges. Comedian Gianmarco Soresi noted that the Trump presidency provided so much material that satire often felt superficial. He also cautioned that comedy loses its effectiveness when it aligns with power, recalling offense taken when comedians appeared to support Trump.
A Global Trend
The trend isn’t limited to the United States. While France historically had less reliance on satirical political comedy due to a more robust news media, the influence of right-wing billionaires acquiring media outlets, declining trust in news, and increased disinformation are shifting the landscape. Satire sites like Le Gorafi are now stepping in to critique political figures, such as Nicolas Sarkozy.
This shift mirrors a broader pattern: anti-politics thrives where anti-media sentiment takes root, leaving comedy to serve as both catharsis and a catalyst for discussion. The author worries that France may follow the US path, with weakened news media, a farcical political climate, and comedy filling the resulting void.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role has Donald Trump played in the rise of political comedy?
Donald Trump’s presidency provided a significant amount of material for comedians, but Gianmarco Soresi suggests this often led to superficial satire, simply recounting the day’s events rather than offering deeper analysis.
What did Paul Krugman criticize about the press in 2000?
Paul Krugman criticized the press for being “fanatically determined to seem even-handed,” even to the point of giving equal weight to demonstrably false claims.
Is comedy a replacement for traditional journalism?
Gianmarco Soresi believes comedy can create spaces for relief and reflection, and even challenge specific agendas, but it cannot build a political movement to overthrow a leader like Netanyahu.
As comedy increasingly takes on the role of political commentary, what responsibilities do traditional news organizations have to regain public trust and provide thorough, unbiased reporting?