Is the Fake News the Real News?

                I do believe that satirical news reporting is a form of mainstream culture jamming. Although they may be more humorous than serious in nature, they can show things in a different light and are valuable within the public sphere.

                The more satirical the show is, the more powerful an example of culture jamming it is.  The Colbert Report, for example, is extremely satirical, especially with the main character of Stephen Colbert himself.  Colbert, through his exaggerated personality and absurd antics, is able to highlight the ridiculousness of American politics, especially conservatism. Because these particular shows imitate the elements of typical news and political programs so successfully, not only does it making the mocking of their targets so entertaining, but it also grounds the show in a reality that is relatable to the viewer. The more the viewer can relate to the elements of the program, the more the show can “subvert and rework the intended meaning of existing media” (Michael O’Shaughnessy, Media and Society, pg.213) and henceforth function as a form of culture jamming.

                I have no problem considering satirical news reporting a form of mainstream culture jamming, but if I were to reconsider my opinion, it would be because of the “mainstream” aspect. It is interesting to me that these shows operate through a medium that inherently contradicts the typical “counter-cultural” or “counter-hegemonic” (pg.217) quality of culture jamming. You’ll watch a segment on one of these shows that pokes fun at the absurdity of US consumerism, and immediately afterwards be exposed to 5 minutes of advertising during the commercial break. The fact that these shows can contradict themselves, gives me a sense that their messages are somewhat hollow.

                Within the realm of the public sphere, I find that these satirical news shows can be effective. They have the ability to underscore the problems with politics and society in a unique and entertaining way. They appeal to variety of demographics young and old, with the combination of humor and actual insight into world issues. They have ability to get a variety of different people and topics into the public sphere. They are also very good at inciting discussion, as questioning the current state of the world and society is an integral part for many of these shows.

                So although I am a little undecided about the “mainstream” aspect of these shows, I do consider them as a form of culture jamming. Despite how silly they can be sometimes, that silliness is derived from truth. I would argue that they can be quite effective in challenging our perceptions and even the current state of the world.