Stephen Colbert's audience responded with laughter to his remarks about CNN's objectivity during "The Late Show."
According to Fox News, in New York City, during a conversation with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, laughter erupted from the audience when host Stephen Colbert labeled the network as "objective."
Kaitlan Collins appeared on Colbert's late-night show to discuss several crucial topics. These included the political shockwaves from President Biden's decision not to run in the 2024 election and how this development impacted former President Trump's campaign strategy.
The response from the audience perhaps underscores a broader skepticism towards media impartiality, particularly against the backdrop of divisive American politics.
Previously, Jim Acosta of CNN had ardently declared the network’s commitment to objective journalism, stressing that their coverage was devoid of bias. This declaration was a defense against accusations from critics and political figures who have labeled CNN’s approach as notably partisan during Trump's administration.
Under the leadership of Chris Licht, the former executive producer for “The Late Show,” CNN sought to temper its perceived partisan leanings. However, Licht’s tenure ended in 2023 amid dissatisfaction among the network's more liberal staffers, who felt alienated by his proposed changes.
After Licht’s departure, several prominent liberal commentators who had been previously ousted, including Jeffrey Toobin, Don Lemon, and Brian Stelter, made their return to CNN. This move suggested a possible recalibration toward more left-leaning programming.
Further complicating CNN’s public image, the reinstatement of these figures occurred amidst ongoing commentary and analysis that frequently positioned CNN as oppositional during the Trump era, leading to frequent criticisms from Trump himself, who famously dubbed them "fake news."
As the dialogue on "The Late Show" unfolded, Stephen Colbert quipped about CNN's journalistic stance, which led to an unexpected moment of audience interaction:
Stephen Colbert remarked on CNN's stance, saying, "I know you guys are objective over there, that you just report the news as it is." The studio audience erupted in laughter. Kaitlan Collins, taken aback by the reaction, responded, "Was that supposed to be a laugh line?" Colbert, equally surprised, admitted, "It wasn't supposed to be, but I guess it is."
The incident underscores a pervasive challenge media outlets face in maintaining public trust. Brent Baker of the Media Research Center pointed out that not even left-leaning audiences in New York City see CNN as objective, which invites questions about media bias and its perception across the political spectrum.
This occurrence has again spotlighted the delicate balance media companies must maintain between audience expectations and journalistic integrity.
In summary, the laughter that Colbert's remark elicited during his conversation with Kaitlan Collins highlights the tangled relationship between media narratives and public perception. As networks like CNN navigate the choppy waters of American politics, the reactions from audiences serve as a real-time barometer of the credibility that these institutions either maintain or lose.
