Perhaps cynics, humorists and misguided youths of 2003 might have suggested that Comedy Central was hosting the most truthful news program even if disguised as a satire/comedy show.
By 2004 there was public discussion in the mainstream media about the "problem" of a growing number of young people who cited Stewart's Daily Show as their primary news source.
By 2006 the Daily Show was arguably the most important or anticipated interview for any controversial spokesperson/author with a message to sell. This was the program most likely to unmask a fraud.
The Colbert Report added a new layer of media "competition" by mimicing the buffoons of "mainstream media". A very commercial media. Colbert's empty headed ego maniac character manages to embarrass the otherwise shameless advocates of Bush foreign policy into the stunned silence they so deserve.
By now its fair to ask what the Comedy Central programmers, the writers and creative minds behind Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert, deserve in return. What prize ought be awarded the "satire-comedy" shows .. Stewart and Colbert.. to recognize their important service? How do we recognize and thank them for the regular re-assurance they provide that the outrage is shared. Shared widely.