University's reputation brings Jon Stewart to Bloomington

Jon Stewart is known for his witty political humor, down-to-earth discourse and honest scrutiny of the American media.

Although Stewart’s “The Daily Show” is a comedy newscast, a 2007 poll by the Pew Research Center found he tied for “the most trusted name in news” with traditional news anchors like Anderson Cooper and Tom Brokaw.

On Friday, Stewart is bringing his tongue-in-cheek humor and “everyman” delivery style to the IU Auditorium, one of the biggest “gets” for the auditorium this year.
IU is a giant hub for Stewart’s key demographic because of his popularity among viewers under 30.

The announcement of this show generated a lot of buzz.

Stewart’s upcoming performance is so popular that it sold out almost immediately, and the auditorium had to add an additional show to accommodate more people.
“This has been one of the most requested shows that we’ve had in the last five years,” Auditorium Director Doug Booher said.

Sophomore John Tejcek doesn’t watch “The Daily Show” regularly but said he is excited to see Stewart at the auditorium.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the University population,” Tejcek said. “He’s a really cool guy, really popular. So I think it will be a great show.”

Senior Jessica Justice said she looks forward to the interactive nature of a live show and hopes for an act tailored to IU students.

As popular as he is, though, not everyone is excited about Stewart’s arrival.

Sophomore Ryan Russel said he doesn’t care one way or the other that Stewart is coming, and he won’t go to the show because he doesn’t share Stewart’s liberal views.

Regardless of varying political values, this will likely be the most popular show of the season for the IU Auditorium based on the additional performance and sold out crowd.

“To be able to bring him to Bloomington for one of the few stand up shows he does a year was a great opportunity,” Booher said. “The university’s reputation played a role in that,” Booher said.