Comedy Central is mulling a “short list” of replacements for “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, a decision that could affect how much influence the show has on the 2016 presidential campaign.
Also at issue: Whether Stewart, an executive producer for “Daily Show” as well as host, retains some role with the show that has helped shape attitudes toward politics and media and given campaigns an appealing forum to reach potential voters, especially younger ones.
“TBD,” said Doug Herzog, president of Viacom Entertainment Group, using the shorthand for “to be determined,” when asked if Stewart would keep a hand in.
“It’s not out of the question,” Herzog added.
Stewart, 52, announced Tuesday that he will leave the host’s job this year, a move that had been was closely held by him and the channel. The timing of his exit has yet to be determined, and Stewart did not say what he plans to do afterward.
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Herzog expressed measured optimism that “The Daily Show” and its “Indecision” campaign watch — a part of Comedy Central well before Stewart joined — will remain factors in the presidential election next year.
“Why not? But who knows. Jon carved out a very particular place for himself within that dialogue. We’ll see what the next person brings,” he said. “It’s going to happen in a different way, in a different fashion, from a different point of view. But I’m pretty certain it’s going to happen.”
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Lynn Elber is a national television columnist for The Associated Press. She can be reached at lelber@ap.org and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lynnelber.
