By Keach Hagey
Jon Stewart will retire as the host of Comedy Central's "The
Daily Show, " the cable network said, after a 16-year run that
helped reshape late-night TV.
In a statement, Comedy Central President Michele Ganeless said
Mr. Stewart will remain at the helm of the show until later this
year.
"Through his unique voice and vision, 'The Daily Show' has
become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an
unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for
years to come," she said. "He is a comic genius, generous with his
time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central
family."
Mr. Stewart's departure will follow that of Comedy Central's
other high-profile late night comic, Stephen Colbert. Mr. Colbert
ended his program, "The Colbert Report," late last year and will
premiere a late-night talk show on CBS in 2015.
The loss of top talent at Comedy Central poses challenges for
the channel's parent, Viacom Inc., which is already trying to
rebound from ratings declines at several of its major networks.
Write to Keach Hagey at keach.hagey@wsj.com
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