Goodness gracious...this article starts with a conclusion and then tries to make the facts fit it. How nonsensical.
CBS canceling a show is not automatically censorship. CBS is a business. Businesses cancel products, programs, and divisions all the time when they no longer make financial sense. If Colbert's show was losing money, the cancellation seems perfectly reasonable--like it or not.
And the comparison to the Smothers Brothers? I think I strained an eye-rolling muscle. Pointing to something that happened nearly 60 years is your evidence of having "a history?" Didn't CBS recently announce a shut down of its nearly 100 year old radio news division and eliminated all those jobs, citing economic realities and changes in the media landscape. Clearly censorship. How dare they!
You repeatedly imply corruption, bribery, and censorship without presenting any actual evidence. Suspicion is not proof. After 27 years in news, I'd expect a little more skepticism and a little less speculation.
You treat Colbert as though he is some universally beloved comedic voice. He isn't. Many felt he stopped being funny years ago and became a partisan political hack.
Most importantly, losing a television contract is not the same thing as losing free speech. Colbert is free to speak on the countless other outlets out there.
The irony is that an blog post warning about censorship never seriously considers the most obvious explanation: declining economics in a rapidly changing media landscape.
There was a time when we could expect a good read from a journalist/former journalist. Sad.
Thanks, Kevin. It’s pretty clear to me that we disagree. Nevertheless, the fact remains that comedy shapes history: now with Colbert, then with the Smothers Brothers, always. Long after we are both dead, the end of The Late Show will help tell the story of this time. This is the greater and, frankly, more important point of the piece. In any event, I hope your eye strain improves and I thank you for reading/greatly suffering through reading my column.
Comedy is so important. Years ago I took a course in standup comedy. I performed a few time at the old Comedy Trap. I took the course to get over my fear of public speaking. It was great time learning about comedy and how to perform. My experience was wonderful, but cut short because my mom had become very ill, and I wanted to spend my time with her, she and my dad were big supporters of time doing stand up comedy. It did cure my fear of public speaking, even now you can't shut me up. I would love to the Comedy Center to Joan Rivers stuff, she was my favorite comic and I had the pleasure meeting her after her appearance at Shea's. Glad you are feeling better
Thankyou
Excellent and insightful look at the power of comedy to shine the light on truth. We certainly need it now, more than ever.
I look forward you your emails. Thank you for using your voice to speak truth.
Thank you. Once again, excellent insights and extremely well written. And thanks for the tip on the upcoming book.
Good stuff here!! how very interesting how things twist together 😊Thank you!🎭
Goodness gracious...this article starts with a conclusion and then tries to make the facts fit it. How nonsensical.
CBS canceling a show is not automatically censorship. CBS is a business. Businesses cancel products, programs, and divisions all the time when they no longer make financial sense. If Colbert's show was losing money, the cancellation seems perfectly reasonable--like it or not.
And the comparison to the Smothers Brothers? I think I strained an eye-rolling muscle. Pointing to something that happened nearly 60 years is your evidence of having "a history?" Didn't CBS recently announce a shut down of its nearly 100 year old radio news division and eliminated all those jobs, citing economic realities and changes in the media landscape. Clearly censorship. How dare they!
You repeatedly imply corruption, bribery, and censorship without presenting any actual evidence. Suspicion is not proof. After 27 years in news, I'd expect a little more skepticism and a little less speculation.
You treat Colbert as though he is some universally beloved comedic voice. He isn't. Many felt he stopped being funny years ago and became a partisan political hack.
Most importantly, losing a television contract is not the same thing as losing free speech. Colbert is free to speak on the countless other outlets out there.
The irony is that an blog post warning about censorship never seriously considers the most obvious explanation: declining economics in a rapidly changing media landscape.
There was a time when we could expect a good read from a journalist/former journalist. Sad.
Thanks, Kevin. It’s pretty clear to me that we disagree. Nevertheless, the fact remains that comedy shapes history: now with Colbert, then with the Smothers Brothers, always. Long after we are both dead, the end of The Late Show will help tell the story of this time. This is the greater and, frankly, more important point of the piece. In any event, I hope your eye strain improves and I thank you for reading/greatly suffering through reading my column.
Comedy is so important. Years ago I took a course in standup comedy. I performed a few time at the old Comedy Trap. I took the course to get over my fear of public speaking. It was great time learning about comedy and how to perform. My experience was wonderful, but cut short because my mom had become very ill, and I wanted to spend my time with her, she and my dad were big supporters of time doing stand up comedy. It did cure my fear of public speaking, even now you can't shut me up. I would love to the Comedy Center to Joan Rivers stuff, she was my favorite comic and I had the pleasure meeting her after her appearance at Shea's. Glad you are feeling better
Wonderful Kate