Matt Yglesias had the same reaction I did when I heard Dan Rather was stepping down as CBS News’ top anchor.
Dan Rather stepping down raises the pressing question — who watches network newscasts anymore anyways? Old people, I guess.
I have the same assumption. My friend Chuck, however, had a terrific idea that would not only give CBS a much-needed boost, but also instantly raise the quality of network news broadcasts.
Dan Rather is finally calling it quits. I’d have an opinion on Dan’s work and his exit if I ever watched the man. Rumors are swirling on whom to replace him. CBS needs to rebuild trust, find some person who appeals to the younger viewers, and has a sharp mind for current events.
That means only one person: Jon Stewart.
The Daily Show is brilliant, largely because Jon is. But he’s also trusted…. CBS could do much worse than Stewart. And not much better. And the show would be brilliant.
I strongly agree with all of this. It’s sad that the most trusted name in TV news happens to be a comedian on Comedy Central who has labeled himself the host of a “fake-news show,” but this is the journalism environment we live in. I say, teach the industry a lesson and hire Stewart for the gig.