JON STEWART SIGNING OFF
Popular Daily Show host leaving satirical news biz later this year,
LOS ANGELES— Jon Stewart, who turned his biting and freewheeling humour into an unlikely source of news and analysis for viewers of The Daily Show, will leave as host this year, Comedy Central said Tuesday.
His departure was announced by Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless after Stewart broke the news to the audience Tuesday.
“Through his unique voice and vision, The Daily Show has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come,” Ganeless said in a statement. Stewart will remain as host until later this year, she said, but did not specify a date.
Stewart’s departure is a second big blow for Comedy Central: Stephen Colbert left The Colbert Report last year to take over from David Letterman at CBS.