The Impact of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report on Public Attentiveness to Science and the Environment

摘要: Prior research on the political effects of late-night comedy programs has demonstrated that by piggy-backing content entertainment fare, such provide a, "gateway," to increased audience attention news and public affairs, particularly among less politically engaged audiences. Given heightened coverage science environmental topics Comedy Central’s satirical programs, "The Daily Show," and, Colbert Report," this paper considers whether a similar process could be at work relative environment. An analysis nationally representative survey data finds exposure to, goes hand-in-hand with paid issues, specifically global warming. Moreover, relationship between use attentiveness is most pronounced those least amount formal education, who might otherwise lack resources motivation pay scientific issues. In way, an equalizer, reducing traditional gaps in low high levels education.