Filmed in Front of a Live Studio Audience: Laughter and Aggression in Political Entertainment Programming

Emily K. Vraga, Courtney N. Johnson, D. Jasun Carr, Leticia Bode, Mitchell T. Bard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shows blending humor and information are on the rise, and many such shows incorporate live studio audiences. Using two separate experimental studies, we test whether audience laughter on humorous political talk shows affects audience perceptions. We find that the effects of audience laughter depend on context, boosting perceptions of host and program credibility when a host is unknown, while reminding viewers of the comedic intentions and appeal of a known comedic host. If humor allows the hosts of comedic political talk shows more freedom to pointedly question their guests without turning off viewers, it may better engage and inform audiences. Copyright Taylor & Francis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)131-150
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
Volume58
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

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