On his recent podcast, Jon Stewart expressed concern over the media's handling of significant stories, particularly the Trump-Russia collusion scandal. He suggested that the media has created a "hype machine" which has contributed to the erosion of audience trust. Stewart highlighted the notion that media outlets have incentives that sometimes lead to sensationalism rather than responsible reporting, thereby raising false expectations among their audience.

Stewart pointed out that the rush to deliver news about the Trump presidency and investigations such as the Mueller Report created a frenzy that overshadowed objectivity in reporting. He draws parallels to previous events, including the lead-up to the Iraq War, where media excitement and urgency led to questionable narratives. This continual cycle of hype ultimately damages the relationship between news outlets and their audiences, causing long-term trust issues.

By acknowledging the impact of media narratives on public perception, Stewart underscores a critical dialogue about accountability in journalism. He argues for a need to recalibrate how news is reported, emphasizing that the media should earn trust through integrity and accurate reporting, rather than relying on explosive headlines that may mislead or create unnecessary tension among viewers.