Myers Discusses the Changing Landscape of Political Interviews
Seth Meyers, the liberal host of NBC’s “Late Night,” shared his thoughts on why it seems like the days of politicians being interviewed on talk shows might be dwindling. In the current social media era, things are shifting rapidly. With more attention on digital platforms, some have even dubbed the upcoming 2024 election a “podcast election.” Notably, figures like podcaster Joe Rogan believe that Donald Trump’s appearance on such shows has significantly influenced this trend.
Meyers, known for his sharp critiques of Trump since a memorable performance at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, spoke to Variety about how the media scene has evolved over the years. He agreed that platforms like podcasts are becoming more appealing for politicians than traditional television interviews.
“We’re having more fun discussing politics rather than just talking to the politicians,” he remarked, pointing out that his show tends to avoid political guests. He mentioned hosting President Biden and Vice President Harris in 2022 but feels there’s a growing trend to favor podcasts. Meyers pointed out that podcasts provide a more relaxed environment where politicians can avoid the rush of hitting prescribed talking points.
He emphasized that while his comedic style fits neither the podcast format nor traditional interviews seamlessly, podcasts do offer a unique advantage. “In a short chat, it’s difficult for anything to really deepen compared to an hour-long podcast discussion,” he explained. In contrast, standard TV interviews often prioritize quick pacing and engaging content.
Meyers also reflected on a prediction by Jimmy Kimmel that in ten years, there may no longer be a late-night host. Meyers admitted that this revelation might not be too far-fetched. “Unless some significant shifts occur, it seems likely that we won’t see a new wave of hosts,” he said, acknowledging Kimmel’s insights into the industry.
Ultimately, Meyers concluded that as people adapt to new modes of communication, podcasts remain profoundly popular. “The best communicators will always find ways to reach their audience,” he noted, adding a sense of inevitability to the ongoing changes in how politics is discussed and portrayed.
