On an average day 7 minutes of news happens. Yet there are currently three full time, 24 hour news networks

On an average day 7 minutes of news happens. Yet there are currently three full time, 24 hour news networks

Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show, was known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on the state of the media. One of his most famous critiques was of the 24-hour news cycle, which he often skewered for its obsession with sensationalism and lack of substance.

Stewart frequently pointed out the absurdity of having three full-time news networks when, on an average day, only 7 minutes of actual news happens. He argued that this constant need for content led to a proliferation of opinion-based programming and a focus on entertainment rather than informing the public.

Stewart's criticism of the news media was not just limited to the amount of actual news being reported, but also the way in which it was presented. He often highlighted the bias and sensationalism that permeated many news programs, and called out journalists for prioritizing ratings over accuracy.

One of Stewart's most famous takedowns was of CNN's coverage of the missing Malaysian Airlines flight in 2014. He mocked the network for its round-the-clock coverage of the story, which he argued was based on speculation and conjecture rather than facts. Stewart's segment went viral, and many viewers praised him for holding the media accountable for its irresponsible reporting.

Stewart's critiques of the news media were not just for show – he believed that a well-informed public was essential for a functioning democracy. He often urged his viewers to seek out multiple sources of information and to think critically about the news they consumed.