“Saturday Night Live” is one of America’s longest running network television shows due to its political satire and comedy sketches; however, like many late-night television programs it has become increasingly partisan and does not significantly affect political discourse.
Political satire is one of the main staples of late-night television and is a reflection of the political climate. “SNL” has long been renowned for its bare–knuckle lambasting of political figures.
However, as American political ideology has become increasingly polarized the media monopolies that own television programming have followed suit.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden” are broadcast by CBS while “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers” are both broadcast by NBC. “SNL” is not an exception, it is broadcast by NBC and follows their political narrative.
According to an analysis by the Washington Examiner, employees from NBC, ABC and CBS collectively contributed over a million dollars to the Democratic party in 2008, with “SNL” producer Jeffrey Ross among the contributors.
NBC News has also been given a “Lean-Left” media bias rating on the AllSides website based upon research from Pew Research Center and blind surveys. “SNL” skits are an example of the partisan bickering and personality based politics in America.
Recent “SNL” skits such as the ones depicting President Donald Trump have been criticized by Trump and conservatives as defamation and unfair coverage. The show’s skit of an imagined world if Trump never became president depicts a better America, characterizing the Trump administration as racist and sexist. It also mocks that Trump is responsible for repressing the ambitions of his family and white house officials.
This is not defamation but the humor suggests that there is a clear preference by the writers. The reactions and laughter of the audience also suggests that the audience enjoys a good punching at conservatives.
According to a nationally representative Hollywood Report poll “About 48 percent [of those polled] said the series is “more liberal” politically, while only 5 percent describe the show as “more conservative,” and 10 percent said “SNL” has “no political lean””. However, like many late-night television shows, “SNL” does not significantly impact the opinions of voters.
Late night T.V. shows appeal to a particular audience. These audiences are aware of the political leanings of the hosts and tune in because of them. Ever since Trump was elected, late night television has been fixated on the president and have routinely mocked and criticized him. Viewers of late night T.V. enjoy seeing the president shamed publicly.
“SNL” is one of many late night shows that creates an atmosphere of indifference to conservatives but carries no real weight in shaping the opinions of voters. In a politically polarized environment with media monopolies, media bias is inevitable. “SNL” may not be politically relevant but it is very entertaining.
Photo courtesy of NBC Bay Area
