Taras, DavidHebert, Sean2017-12-182017-12-182012http://hdl.handle.net/1880/105664Bibliography: p. 146-154The objective of this thesis is to provide insight into a question that is central to the study of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report, Comedy Central's popular political satire programs: does their willingness to engage with mainstream media and political elites threaten Stewart and Colbert's ability to hold brokers of power to account? It examines data collected from television programs, interviews, and media coverage surrounding the 'Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.' The analysis concluded that the comics preserve their satirist roles regardless of the venue they speak from, as long as they refuse the institutional legitimacy granted to journalists and politicians while adhering to the principles of satire that allow them to serve their audience. The thesis further speculates on the contribution the rally makes to the ongoing academic discussion regarding whether satirizing politics necessarily inspires cynicism and provides a disincentive for political engagement.v, 173 leaves ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/4663