Comedian and activist Jon Stewart has been vocal about the significant impact tech giants Apple and Amazon are having on the entertainment industry, describing their influence as an 'earthquake' that is fundamentally changing the way TV shows and movies are produced.
The Shift from Analog to Digital
Stewart, who recently returned as a host of Comedy Centrals 'The Daily Show,' shared his insights on the podcast 'Conan OBrien Needs a Friend.' He emphasized that big tech companies are transforming the entertainment business from an analog to a digital model, which is resulting in a virtual earthquake. This shift is characterized by a move towards ruthless efficiency, akin to how tech executives like Elon Musk might streamline operations in other industries.
Stewart highlighted the inefficiencies of the traditional entertainment business model, where writers, agents, managers, and lawyers play crucial roles, often taking a significant portion of the earnings. However, he noted that this model is being disrupted by tech companies that prefer a more streamlined and efficient approach, often relying on fewer people and tighter deadlines.
Impact on Comedy Writers
The comedian expressed his concerns about how this new approach is affecting comedy writers. He mentioned that the traditional writers' room, where a team of writers collaborates from start to finish, is being replaced by a more austere system. For instance, instead of having 14 writers involved throughout the production, tech companies might limit it to just four writers working on Zoom for a short period.
Stewart and Conan OBrien agreed that this change is making it harder for comedy writers to find work. The emphasis on efficiency and cost-cutting measures by tech companies is leading to a system where 'institutional knowledge' and the growth of writers are not valued. Instead, these companies are promoting an 'auteur system' and 'ruthlessly efficient content factories' where the focus is on real estate rather than individual creativity.
Personal Experience with Apple TV+
Stewarts own experience with Apple TV+ further illustrates these points. His show 'The Problem with Jon Stewart' was canceled after he refused to censor discussions on sensitive topics like artificial intelligence, Israel, and China. This incident underscored the different agendas and sensibilities between traditional entertainment and tech companies.
Stewarts comments reflect a broader concern within the entertainment industry about the increasing influence of tech giants and the potential long-term effects on creative processes and institutional knowledge.
