Colbert Helps Put Newseum in Its Place

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At Newseum, Stewart and Colbert Fans Get a Bit of ‘Truthiness’

Dr. Ted sez: The Newseum is a truly amazing place, not just a mausoleum to a dying press, as Stephen Colbert suggests in his video spoof helping to open the enormous museum on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., but a constantly evolving tribute to the role of a free press. And, as it turns out, the Newseum also now has interred both Colbert and Jon Stewart in anticipation of Saturday’s joint “Rally to Restore Sanity” and “March to Keep Fear Alive” on the Washington Mall.

By Andrea Silen
Newseum Assistant Web writer

WASHINGTON — While America’s favorite fake newscasters Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert hold dueling rallies on the National Mall Oct. 30, Newseum visitors can get a close-up look at the artifacts that made “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” among the most watched late-night talk shows on television.

Currently displayed in the News Corporation News History Gallery is a microphone from Stewart’s “Daily Show” that was used during the critically acclaimed “Indecision 2004” election coverage.

The original script from “The Colbert Report,” in which Colbert’s trademark word “truthiness” first appeared, is also on exhibit. An “On Notice” board — a lineup of satirical targets that annoy Colbert — round off the display. Grizzly Bears and the Newseum are two of the targets on the board.

In 2008, Colbert helped celebrate the grand opening of the Newseum in Washington, D.C., in a video suggesting the Newseum change its name to Newsoleum.

The Comedy Central comedians’ dueling rallies are spoofs of the “Restoring Honor” rally that was held in August by conservative commentator Glenn Beck.

Stewart will host the “Rally to Restore Sanity,” which he said was created “for the people who think shouting is annoying, counterproductive and terrible for your throat.” The event is meant to counterbalance the angry tones that critics have said characterized the nation's political discourse.

Colbert, whose on-air persona has an ongoing feud with Stewart, will lead the “March to Keep Fear Alive.” Both events are expected to draw large crowds.

“The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” are widely popular among adults 18 to 34. While the programs are parodies of mainstream news, they have become the preferred source of news and information for many young TV viewers.

Related Links:
• The Real News in Fake News
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Reposted from the Newseum website. URL
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