INFOTAINMENT OR INFLUENCE? THE ROLE OF HUMOR IN SHAPING POLITICAL DISCOURSE ON TELEVISION

Abstract

This study aims to examine the dual role of political humor in television programs through a systematic content analysis focusing on humor types, political topics, framing strategies, and evaluative tones. The central research question asks: does televised political humor serve as infotainment, simplifying political issues and fostering public engagement, or as a form of influence that cultivates cynicism and distrust toward political institutions?

The research analyzes a purposive sample of international and regional political satire programs over a defined period, coding humor types (satire, parody, irony, sarcasm), political issues (elections, corruption, public policy), framing approaches (conflict, scandal, values, solutions), and evaluative tones (positive, negative, cynical).

The expected findings suggest that political humor occupies a middle ground between education and influence: on one hand, it simplifies complex issues and makes them more appealing to audiences; on the other, it often relies on negative and cynical portrayals that may undermine trust. The study contributes to bridging humor theory and political communication research, while also offering practical insights for media practitioners and educators in the field of media literacy.