The Concept of “News” Has Changed Forever

Remember when there used to be a delineation between real news and fake news?

Well, thanks to Stephen Colbert, that line is blurring:

The day Stephen Colbert has been waiting for has (almost) arrived.

The funnyman’s bid to have his name attached to the newest module of the international space station will draw to a close on Tuesday’s edition of The Colbert Report, according to The Associated Press. Astronaut Sunita Williams will appear on the program as well.

Colbert urged fans to write in his last name in a NASA poll that allowed the public to vote for the new room’s moniker. “Colbert” easily beat out NASA’s suggestions, which included Serenity, Legacy, Earthrise and Venture.

Even so, NASA has the final word, which Colbert will bring to the airwaves.

So funnyman Colbert is now breaking hard news…well, kinda-sorta hard news. I mean, this is a NASA announcement after all, right?

Not to make too much of this, but doesn’t this serve as commentary as to what is real news and what is entertainment these days? Furthermore, doesn’t this put mainstream media on even further notice? It’s been said here again and again, times are changing. So is how, where and when we get our news. Keep that in mind as you build your company’s publicity strategy.