2008 Woodie Awards
Students gather news through comedy by watching 'Colbert,' 'Daily Show'
Nathan Cape
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Editorials
Despite the emergence of 24-hour news and fast growing utilization of Internet news resources, it was found in a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press that today's public does not have an enhanced perception on knowledge in the world.
Part of the study found that only 69 percent of respondents were able to correctly identify Dick Cheney as the vice president, despite the fact he has been in office for over seven years. This is in comparison to 74 percent of individuals correctly responding in 1989, when Dan Quayle held the position.
The most surprising fact found from the survey may not be the lack of knowledge, but where respondents are gaining their knowledge. The survey found that respondents with the most correct answers were more likely to watch the "Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central rather than the evening news to gain their knowledge of current events throughout the world. I guess this proves that the most truth may come in the form of humor - or it just sticks a little better in the minds of viewers.
Is it a bad thing that viewers are turning away from formal media channels to get information pertaining to daily life? With so much negative information being streamed constantly through news sources, it is hard not to drift toward comedians that give the news for you in order to brighten the mood.
I believe that any news source is better than none. So make it a point to pick-up a school newspaper every day, read a few online articles or watch the "Colbert Report" or "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central. If you expose yourself to these media channels, you will at least be able to gain more information about vital current events in comparison to not utilizing any media channels at all. Mix it up, but get the information.
The Pew Research Center survey found that the so-called Baby Boomers generation, those between the ages of 50 and 64, were three times more likely to score in the high category of correct responses than the youngest group of 18 to 29-year-olds. What does this mean for you and me? Keep learning and expanding your knowledge. Be aware of current issues, both nationally and globally, and utilize all resources that you wish, including Colbert.
- Nathan Cape is a senior marketing major and a Mirror columnist.
Part of the study found that only 69 percent of respondents were able to correctly identify Dick Cheney as the vice president, despite the fact he has been in office for over seven years. This is in comparison to 74 percent of individuals correctly responding in 1989, when Dan Quayle held the position.
The most surprising fact found from the survey may not be the lack of knowledge, but where respondents are gaining their knowledge. The survey found that respondents with the most correct answers were more likely to watch the "Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central rather than the evening news to gain their knowledge of current events throughout the world. I guess this proves that the most truth may come in the form of humor - or it just sticks a little better in the minds of viewers.
Is it a bad thing that viewers are turning away from formal media channels to get information pertaining to daily life? With so much negative information being streamed constantly through news sources, it is hard not to drift toward comedians that give the news for you in order to brighten the mood.
I believe that any news source is better than none. So make it a point to pick-up a school newspaper every day, read a few online articles or watch the "Colbert Report" or "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central. If you expose yourself to these media channels, you will at least be able to gain more information about vital current events in comparison to not utilizing any media channels at all. Mix it up, but get the information.
The Pew Research Center survey found that the so-called Baby Boomers generation, those between the ages of 50 and 64, were three times more likely to score in the high category of correct responses than the youngest group of 18 to 29-year-olds. What does this mean for you and me? Keep learning and expanding your knowledge. Be aware of current issues, both nationally and globally, and utilize all resources that you wish, including Colbert.
- Nathan Cape is a senior marketing major and a Mirror columnist.
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