Jon Stewart extends contract to 2004
04-25-03 | 01:45 PM
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Jon Stewart extends contract to 2004
LOS ANGELES - It's been a busy few days for Comedy Central. Viacom buying out AOL Time Warner's half of the network has commanded all of the headlines, but from an on-air vantage point, an even bigger decision at the cable network has been kept fairly quiet. According to the New York Daily News, Jon Stewart has extended his contract to host "The Daily Show" through 2004. Political addicts and fan of "The Daily Show's " Indecision 2000" coverage will be happy to note that the new contract will carry Steward through the next presidential election.
Stewart took over for Craig Kilborn as " Daily Show" anchor in January 1999 and has helped raise the show's ratings, hone its satirical edge and just make it funnier. During the war with Iraq, the program was able to mix humor and political insight in a fairly non-partisan way that made it a refreshing alternative to many shows with more mainstream legitimacy. Stewart's contract was set to expire at the end of this year, but even while manning the " Daily Show" desk, he's had time to appear in fine films like " Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and "Death to Smoochy."
"His platform here is the right one," says Comedy Central President Larry Divney. " He's terrific."
Stewart took over for Craig Kilborn as " Daily Show" anchor in January 1999 and has helped raise the show's ratings, hone its satirical edge and just make it funnier. During the war with Iraq, the program was able to mix humor and political insight in a fairly non-partisan way that made it a refreshing alternative to many shows with more mainstream legitimacy. Stewart's contract was set to expire at the end of this year, but even while manning the " Daily Show" desk, he's had time to appear in fine films like " Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and "Death to Smoochy."
"His platform here is the right one," says Comedy Central President Larry Divney. " He's terrific."
Smoochy is a fine film, huh?
04-25-03 | 05:19 PM
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I'm not sure if I would hate to lose Stewart or not. I think he's really funny and good at what he does, however, on the other hand, I think that Stephen Colbert or Mo Rocca would be able to do a really good job hosting the show.
04-26-03 | 02:58 PM
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From: The Steel City
Good news! I really like Stewart on TDS. It seems to fit him very well, and this is definitely the high point in his career this far. The only place I would like to see him go from here is an HBO program.
