Brian Stelter: Are TV Networks Going to Keep Supporting Political Satire and Free Speech in the Middle of Trump’s Campaign of Retribution?

EXCERPT:

STELTER: "Stewart giving voice to something that many American liberals are worrying about right now. And frankly, I would say this is something that has been bubbling up for months at this point. Are TV networks going to keep supporting political satire and free speech at a time when President Trump‘s campaign of retribution is rattling corporate America? You know, there‘s been a long history in the U.S. of comics having a lot of space and room to poke fun at presidents, as well as the network executives who run the parent companies. But right now, fans feel that tradition is under threat, and it relates to a broader fear about institutions caving to Trump and quieting political dissent. Jon Stewart, for one, said he‘s not going anywhere, he said at least he doesn‘t think he‘s going anywhere. His contract to be on 'The Daily Show' once a week ends at the end of this year, it ends in December. So keep an eye on that and keep an eye on whether Stewart stays. But you know what? Even if he leaves Comedy Central, I bet he would walk across the digital street and launch a show on YouTube. And that should be a comforting note for people who are concerned about a chill in the proverbial air. There are more ways than ever for comedians to get their messages out. It‘s just right now, some of these institutions are under a lot of political pressure."