It’s no secret as to why SNL has been able to stay on the air for more than 4 decades, with the first episode airing on October 11, 1975. Ever since, Saturday Night Live has provided all sorts of satirical news and sketches to entertain its growing population of viewers.
SNL has always had a hand in providing news with at least a little bit of humor, especially when it comes to politics. So of course they are going to bash the very institution that they are a part of, the media. Lorne Michaels, the current executive producer of the show, says, “Everyone is struggling now in a world where there is so much media,”.
Politics have been an important part in many forms of media, and rightfully so. Which is why it should be no surprise that certain shows are throwing a comical spin on political news. “Comedy is a big force in the culture, and I don’t think there’s a lot of over thinking about doing commercials as there was in the late ’60s and early 70s,” Michaels said.
One of the most popular segments on SNL is called the ‘Weekend Update’, where they provide important events with a certain humor to accompany the news.
Sources:
Variety.com
TheAtlantic.com
NBC.com
Politics in Mass Media 