The Colbert Report Season 9 Episode 164 Gabriel Sherman

In season 9 episode 164 of The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert welcomes journalist and author Gabriel Sherman onto the show. Sherman is known for his work covering Fox News, and the two discuss his latest book, "The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News--and Divided a Country."

Colbert starts the interview by asking Sherman for his thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding Fox News and its former CEO Roger Ailes, who was accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. Sherman reveals that he had been working on the book for several years before the allegations came to light, but that Ailes' behavior had been an open secret in the industry for a long time.

The conversation then shifts to Ailes' early career, with Sherman explaining how he rose through the ranks of media and politics before starting Fox News in the 90s. Colbert points out that Ailes was a shrewd businessman, and asks Sherman how he was able to create such a successful news network. Sherman explains that Ailes had a knack for understanding his audience and giving them what they wanted. He also had a strong sense of branding, which helped Fox News stand out in a crowded media landscape.

The two then discuss Ailes' political influence, with Sherman explaining how he used his position at Fox News to push a conservative agenda. Colbert notes that Ailes was able to create a platform that reached millions of viewers, and asks Sherman if he thinks he had a significant impact on American politics. Sherman says that Ailes was certainly a powerful figure, and that his influence was felt not just in the Republican Party but in the broader culture as well.

Colbert then turns to the issue of fake news, and asks Sherman if he thinks Fox News played a role in spreading misinformation during the 2016 presidential election. Sherman says that while Fox News has always had a conservative bias, the network's coverage during the election was particularly problematic. He notes that several of Fox News' biggest personalities were openly supportive of Donald Trump, and that their coverage of the campaign often blurred the line between news and opinion.

The interview wraps up with Colbert asking Sherman what he thinks Ailes' legacy will be. Sherman says that Ailes' impact on the media industry and American politics is hard to overstate, but that his legacy will also be tainted by the allegations of sexual harassment. He notes that Ailes was a complicated figure, and that his story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.

Overall, season 9 episode 164 of The Colbert Report offers a fascinating look at the rise and fall of one of the most influential figures in American media. Colbert and Sherman's discussion is intelligent and thought-provoking, and sheds light on some of the most pressing issues in our current political climate.