A Pew Research story this week based on research into The Daily Show by Jon Stewart says that he blurs the line between comedy and journalism, but also followed the agenda of the news media, albeit selectively.

However they also note that:

• “The Daily Show performs a function that is close to journalistic in nature — getting people to think critically about the public square.”
• “its use of news footage to deconstruct the manipulations by public figure … performs a function that is close to journalistic in nature — getting people to think critically about the public square.”

Maybe controversial. May it’s pushing the envelope, but when all other envelopes are being pushed, bent out of shape and torn to shreds, Stewart could be setting the stage –or reflecting a shift– in the new journalism.