Between Humor and Truth: An Ethical Analysis of Political Satire in 2024 Election Coverage
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The 2024 US presidential elections were a significant event not only for the political landscape of the country but also for the media, including satirical news shows. This study examined the ethical dimensions of the 2024 US presidential elections coverage by four prominent satirical news shows. Based on a mixed-methods content analysis of over fifty hours of selected episodes from Saturday Night Live (NBC), Last Week Tonight (HBO), The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS) and The Daily Show (Comedy Central) this study explored how these programs navigated the complexities of humor, critique, and journalistic integrity while satirizing a high-stakes political event. Drawing on theories of media ethics, political humor, and satire’s social functions, the study developed a normative framework for evaluating the shows’ adherence to principles such as truthfulness, fairness, minimizing harm, and punching up. Quantitative analysis identified patterns in the shows allocation of airtime to candidates, use of satirical techniques, and issue framing, while qualitative case studies provided in-depth insights into their approaches to keyethical challenges. The study focused on the role of host gender in shaping the satirical commentary. By offering a timely and nuanced assessment of satirical news shows’ ethical performance during a critical election cycle, this study contributes to ongoing discussions about satire’s place within the larger media landscape and its potential to inform, engage, and influence public discourse. The findings will have implications for scholars, media professionals, and concerned citizens seeking to understand and promote responsible political satire in an era of deepening polarization and evolving journalistic norms. Keywords: satire, political humor, media ethics, content analysis, 2024 US presidential election
DOI: 10.17615/nf96-3053
Author: Denman, Emma
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6963399046
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