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Virginia Tech

Unburdened by Objectivity: Political Entertainment News in the 2008 Presidential Campaign

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This study analyzes 2008 presidential election coverage on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report to determine how they confront the tension between the genres of news and entertainment. To this point, much of the scholarly work on political entertainment news has focused on examining its effects on viewers' political attitudes and knowledge. A rhetorical analysis reveals the actual messages they convey and the strategies they employ to discuss contemporary American politics. Through comedic devices such as satire and parody, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report offer a venue for social commentary and criticisms of power at a time when traditional venues are dissipating, and these shows provide a place for serious political discourse that encourages dialogue that promotes civic engagement.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Communication Studies
Department dc:contributor.department
Communication Studies
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2010

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • DeLauder, Rachel Cathleen
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Tedesco, John C.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Holloway, Rachel L.
  • Waggenspack, Beth M.

Subjects

dc:subject × 5

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-05152010-093130
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/32827

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

DeLauder, Rachel Cathleen. Unburdened by Objectivity: Political Entertainment News in the 2008 Presidential Campaign. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32827